FC Kansas City's Robinson signs new contract

FC Kansas City signed defender Leigh Ann Robinson to a new contract through the 2015 season.

"Leigh Ann was a very important player for us last year as she proved herself to be one of the best backs in the league," Kansas City technical director Huw Williams said via press release. "Her play and leadership qualities make her a player that we want to be part of FC Kansas City for a long time."

Robinson was not only one of the best defenders, she may have been the best outside back in the league in 2013. She played both sides equally welland her stellar league play earned a call from Coach Sermanni to the U.S. National Team. Robinson played well enough to deserve some more looks but Sermanni will have to balance the squad heading into a World Cup year.

"I'm very excited to be locking myself into Kansas City for another year," Robinson said via press release. "I feel like this offseason we have strengthened our team even more and we are in a position for success. I'm really looking forward to starting the preseason next week."

Robinson started all 22 regular season games and the NWSL Semifinal match against Portland Thorns FC. Not only did the speedy defender help FC Kansas City build the best defense in the league but she also contributed offensively with five assists. That made her second on the Blues and sixth in the league for assists.

FC Kansas City quietly wrapping up their core players

Robinson is the third player to get a new contract through 2015 from FC Kansas City in the off season. Erika Tymrak received a new contract in December and Jen Buczkowski signed through 2015 just a couple weeks ago. Smart moves by the Blues to get those three players locked up as they could all  easily start for other NWSL teams.