4 Racing Story Lines to Follow in the 2023 NWSL Draft

January 11, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release

The NWSL Draft returns to in-person proceedings this year, kicking off at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Racing Louisville FC enters the draft with six picks spread out over the four-round, 48-pick process that will air live across CBS platforms. The draft starts on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ from 6-7 p.m. ET. A live stream will then continue on Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ from 7 p.m. until the conclusion of the event.

Here are four story lines to follow for Racing:

Racing’s selections this year

Louisville currently owns six picks in the NWSL Draft, including the fourth overall selection. Racing also possesses two second-round slots, two third-round choices and one fourth-round pick. Four of the six spots are “natural picks,” given to Racing for finishing ninth in the 12-team NWSL. The other two – the 17th overall pick (second round) and 31st overall pick (third round) – were acquired via trades.

Angel City FC traded to obtain the No. 1 overall pick from NJ/NY Gotham FC, which still owns the No. 2 slot. The Orlando Pride currently possess the third pick, just ahead of Racing. The North Carolina Courage have three first-round picks, with the No. 6, No. 9 and No. 11 spots.

Racing’s draft history

The NWSL Draft has been a major component of Racing’s team-building process, yielding first-round selections in Savannah DeMelo, Emina Ekic, Emily Fox and Jaelin Howell – four players who make up the young core of Louisville’s team. Attackers Kirsten Davis (second round) and Parker Goins (third round) also came to Louisville by way of the draft along with goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (second round).

Fox, now a regular starter at fullback for the U.S. Women’s National Team, was the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, making her the first collegiate player to join Racing’s roster. Ekic, who has four goals in 44 appearances for Racing, was selected four picks later at No. 5.

In 2022, Racing added the defensive midfielder Howell with the second overall pick and the attacking midfielder DeMelo at No. 4. Both players put together excellent rookie campaigns and signed contract extensions with Racing this offseason.

Davis tallied two goals and one assist in 18 appearances this past season, while Goins made seven appearances off the bench. Bloomer started an NWSL Challenge Cup match and backed up breakout goalkeeping star Katie…