Boston Legacy FC Signings Gain International Experience During Loan Spells
Boston Legacy FC’s newest players are honing their skills on the global stage during loan periods before joining the team for preseason next year. While Laurel Ansbrow (Fort Lauderdale United FC) and Emerson Elgin (Tampa Bay Sun FC) prepare for the upcoming USL Super League season, kicking off August 23, teammates Aïssata Traoré and Annie Karich are already making significant contributions to their respective clubs and national teams.
Traoré Shines at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Forward Aïssata Traoré (FC Fleury 91/Mali WNT) recently competed in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which began July 2 in Morocco. Representing Mali, Traoré played a pivotal role in the “Eagle Ladies’” campaign, starting all four of their matches as a No. 9.
Mali navigated a challenging group featuring reigning champions South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, finishing with a 1-1-1 record. Despite a 4-0 defeat to South Africa in the final group stage game, the team advanced to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinal match against host nation Morocco, Mali fell short, losing 3-1. However, Traoré left her mark, converting a penalty in stoppage time – a moment that secured a place in Mali’s history books as only the second time the team has reached the quarterfinal stage.
Traoré’s individual performances were particularly noteworthy. She scored a crucial equalizer against Ghana, securing a vital point for her team. “It’s not just a change of club—it’s a change of continent, culture, and rhythm,” Traoré stated in a CAF profile, reflecting on her upcoming move to Boston. “But I’m ready. After this tournament, I’ll take the time to fully process everything.”
Karich Adapts to Liga MX Femenil with Club América
Meanwhile, defensive midfielder Annie Karich (Club América) has quickly integrated into the Liga MX Femenil, making her debut against Cruz Azul on July 13. Joining a Club América squad grappling with injuries – currently listing eight players sidelined – Karich has been deployed out of her natural position as a center back.
Despite the positional adjustment, Karich has played the full 90 minutes in both of her appearances. Her versatility is not surprising, given her experience playing in the back line during her time with SC Freiburg and earning defensive player of the year honors at Santa Clara University.
Karich faced a tough test in her debut against Cruz Azul, battling Aerial Chavarin, the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. While Chavarin ultimately scored the winning goal in the 94th minute, Karich demonstrated her defensive prowess throughout the match. Club América has since secured consecutive victories against Club Tijuana (2-0) and Club León (3-0), with Karich contributing to a solid defensive performance in both games. She even came close to scoring against León, but the goal was disallowed due to a technicality.
With the recent arrival of defender Jordan Brewster on loan from Bay FC, Karich may soon have the opportunity to return to her preferred defensive midfield position. The team currently sits atop the Liga MX Femenil standings with 15 games remaining in the regular season.
