FC Kansas City adds forward Sarah Hagen

FC Kansas City announced the signing of forward Sarah Hagen yesterday. The Appleton, Wisconsin native is finishing out her contract with FC Bayern München in the German Frauen-Bundesliga.  Nicknamed "Apple", she will join FC Kansas City in June.

Hagen scored 93 goals, 26 assists, 212 points, 27 game-winning goals and 453 shots in 86 games at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2008-2011. Despite being the fifth overall selection in the Women's Professional Soccer Collegiate Draft she chose to play in Germany. In her three seasons with Bayern München, Hagen started 46 of her 47 games and scored 28 goals, including 10 in 14 games so far this season.

"We know the kind of caliber of forward she is," stated FC Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski. "We cannot be more happy. We already have a great line of forwards; with her coming in our team will look just that much stronger."

"There's a reason why Sarah (Hagen) is seen as one of this country's top prospects," said Director of Soccer Operations, Huw Williams said via press release. "She had an outstanding collegiate career before going to Bayern to hone her craft. She has the potential to be a difference maker in this league, and we are excited she will be doing it in Kansas City."

Hagen's name first became linked with a move to FC Kansas City during the NWSL Expansion Draft this year. When the Blues protected a "Discovery Rights" player after having a player taken in the draft, the NWSL mistakenly revealed the name to be Hagen.

FC Kansas City's Director of Operations Huw Williams had his eye on Hagen since before last season. While scouting potential draft picks and free-agents, Williams came across highlights of Hagen and marked her down as a player he eventually wanted on the team.

"I'm extremely excited to join FC Kansas City in June for the remainder of their season. I've had such a great experience here at Bayern," said Hagen said via press release. "However, I've also made many sacrifices by choosing to be thousands of miles away from my family and friends. For me, this is the biggest reason in returning back to the States to play. I'm still very much focused on finishing out my season here with Bayern, but am also looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career at Kansas City."

A regular call-up for the U17 and U23 U.S. Women's National Teams, Hagen was called to the senior National Team for the recent Algarve Cup in Portugal. She made her debut with the squad on March 7 against Sweden, subbing for Abby Wambach in the 81^stminute. She also made an appearance on March 10 against Denmark.

FC Bayern Munich losing talent

FC Bayern Munich (Bayern München) probably is not looking favorably upon the NWSL at the moment. They have lost three talented Americans to the NWSL. In addition to Hagen, Niki Cross and Amber Brooks both are coming to teams in the NWSL.  Cross signed with the Seattle Reign but was traded to the Washington Spirit and Brooks will be joining the Portland Thorns.

While Hagen is the leading scorer for Bayern Munich, Brooks is still their second leading scorer despite leaving in the winter transfer window. Cross has been a starting defender for the German powerhouse.