When it comes to Racing Louisville, there are a few questions on the mind of those who have been following the league. One of the most pressing is if the team will manage to re-sign 2021’s number one draft pick Emily Fox, and if not, what do you get in a trade for the United States (presumed) starting left back in a World Cup year? Other questions may include where their keepers sit in the depth charts and how the team plans to build, despite serious injuries in star international players. Hopefully, the offseason will bring answers!
Moves to Kickoff the Off-Season:
Gemma Bonner left the club following the conclusion of the 2022 season and is now playing for Liverpool in the WSL.
Nealy Martin was determined to not be returning to Louisville following the conclusion of her contract, and has since joined NJNY Gotham FC.
Free Agent Cheyna Matthews did not return to Louisville. Matthews signed with the Chicago Red Stars at the start of the 2023 season.
In early December, Racing signed Finnish International, Defender Elli Pikkujämsä through 2024. All in all, the team seems to be rather silent as the year draws to a close.
Draft Day:
Just before the draft, Racing traded the fourth overall pick in 2023 to Gotham FC in exchange for Paige Monaghan, $150,000 in allocation money, and a 2023 international slot.
Mid-draft trades included the 28th pick being sent to Washington in exchange for the 29th pick and $30,000 in allocation money, and the 40th pick also to Washington for $25,000 in allocation money.
Racing ended the night making four selections in the 2023 NWSL Draft. These were pick 16, Forward Kayla Fischer from Ohio State, pick 17, Right Back Brianna Martinez out of Notre Dame, pick 29, Midfielder Jadyn Edwards out of the University of New Mexico, and Forward Riley Mattingly Parker out of the University of Alabama.
Martinez was waived by Racing and ultimately signed with Orlando after joining Pride pre-season as a non-roster invitee.
Post-Draft:
A couple of weeks post-draft, we finally got an answer to that burning question: what do you get in a trade for the United States (presumed) starting left back in a World Cup year? Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, from North Carolina. A left back for a left back (and a retired international captain who can still easily earn a starting spot at center back).
The first rookie to be signed by Louisville was Riley Mattingly Parker, who was promptly announced to be sent on loan to Tigres in Liga MX until June. This loan is part of the deal that brings Nigerian Forward Uchenna Kanu to Louisville. Kanu has signed a contract through 2024 with an option for 2025.
A week out from the start of the season, Racing announced the signing of Kayla Fischer to a two-year contract, dubbing the Ohio State-product an attacking midfielder.