A look at what’s ahead for Racing Louisville in the 2023 campaign
The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
Racing Louisville FC
2022 Season: 9th | 5-9-8 – 23 points
Big Additions:
- Ary Borges – Brazilian international, most recently with Palmeiras in Brazil’s top flight
- Abby Erceg – Acquired via trade with North Carolina Courage
- Kayla Fischer – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 16 overall pick
- Carson Pickett – Acquired via trade with North Carolina Courage
Key Games:
- March 26: Houston Dash (A) – Regular Season Opener
- April 1: Washington Spirit (H) – Regular Season Home Opener
- May 17: Kansas City Current (H) – Challenge Cup Opener
What to Expect:
Last year, Racing Louisville FC had a lot of good players, but the season just couldn’t get going, despite great performances from many players who wore the purple shirt. Now, ahead of the start of the season this weekend, head coach Kim Björkegren’s team will have higher expectations due to some impressive offseason additions from within and outside the league.
There are a lot of familiar faces back at Lynn Family Stadium, starting with goalkeeper Katie Lund, who last year set a NWSL record with 112 saves, and continuing on defense with players like Paige Monaghan and Julia Lester. Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, both of whom were the North Carolina Courage’s consistent standout features, will only serve to strengthen the club’s defense as it strives to improve its defensive record and generate more opportunities in the future.
In midfield, Savannah DeMelo, Jaelin Howell, and Alex Chidiac are among returners who had numerous brilliant spots in 2022, and however she is as yet a generally new face having participated in August of last year, Chinese global Wang Shuang will believe that each open door should show her capacities this year. Kayla Fischer, a rookie, and Ary Borges, a Brazilian international, are among the newcomers. They will not only add depth to the team but will also try to compete for starting positions in a packed central midfield.
However, Louisville’s season can really be changed up top thanks to the return of players like Jessica McDonald, Emina Ekic, Kirsten Davis, and Nadia Nadim, who led the team in scoring last year. Thembi Kgatlana, the 2018 African Player of the Year, is new to the attack along with Nigerian striker Uchenna Kanu, but like Ekic, he will need time to recover from an injury.
With renewed optimism, this crop of talent will anticipate competing for a playoff spot this year.
