January 23, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Racing Louisville FC gained championship experience and two of the most decorated defenders in the National Women’s Soccer League in Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, who were acquired via a trade announced Monday with the North Carolina Courage.
In exchange, Racing Louisville sent defender Emily Fox to the Courage.
“This is a big move for us,” Racing head coach Kim Björkegren said. “Obviously Emily is a player of high quality. This trade, however, returns a great player at the left-back position in Carson and gives us a veteran central defender in Abby. Both players have great experience and talent and can help lead this team.”
Erceg and Pickett have extensive playing experience in the United States and abroad, and they played key roles in helping North Carolina win the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The 33-year-old Erceg has played in Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Spain, while Pickett, 29, also completed loan spells in Australia and Cyprus, where she played for Björkegren’s former club, Apollon Ladies.
Erceg, a center back with 160 NWSL and Challenge Cup appearances, is one of the most accomplished players in league history. She won three regular-season NWSL Shields and three NWSL Championships with the Western New York Flash and the Courage.
In eight-plus years in the league, the New Zealander has claimed the 2018 NWSL Defender of the Year award as well as 2018 Best XI and 2017 and 2019 Second XI honors. She was also named to the 2020 Challenge Cup Best XI.
On the international stage, Erceg made 146 appearances for the New Zealand national team, scoring six goals and leading the Football Ferns to four World Cups and four Olympic Games. She was the first New Zealander to reach 100 caps for either the men’s or women’s national teams.
“I am excited to be joining Racing Louisville for the 2023 season,” Erceg said. “They are a young but progressing team in the league, and I am ready to bring in some of my experience in the hopes that we can all reach the utmost potential of the team together. I am optimistic that the new challenges and opportunities that are to come will continue to develop my career as a player, and I am looking forward to meeting all the girls soon.”
“Abby is great central defender,” Björkegren said. “She is strong and good in the air. Her first touch is really good and very good even under pressure. Her leadership and quality will help this young…