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NWSL Racing Louisville FC

Goins, Malham Sign as Racing Sets 22-Player Challenge Cup Roster

March 15, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release


Racing Louisville FC has rounded out a 22-player roster ahead of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup by signing a pair of University of Arkansas talents to pro deals from successful preseason trials.

Forward Parker Goins and midfielder Taylor Malham - whose NWSL rights were acquired by the club in 2021 - returned to college for a final season before reporting to Louisville. Both have signed one-year contracts with an option for a second year ahead of Racing's 7:30 p.m. Friday opener against the KC Current at Lynn Family Stadium.

"Parker has taken steps in the right direction every week she has been with us," said Racing's head coach, Kim Björkegren. "We welcome her quality in the final third, where she creates goals and assists.

"Taylor is one the most hard-working players in the whole team," Björkegren added. "Her fitness level is great, and as a player she is mobile and useful at many positions."

Racing's third-round pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Goins spent five standout seasons with Arkansas, where she totaled 40 goals and 38 assists in 96 appearances. Goins was named Southeastern Conference Midfielder of the Year and an All-American selection last season. En route to Arkansas' 2021 SEC regular season championship, she ranked No. 2 in assists (14) and No. 4 in goals (11) in the SEC.

Malham, whose playing rights were picked up by Racing following the 2021 NWSL Draft, finished her collegiate career numbering 107 appearances, all starts. The midfielder tallied 33 career goals and 30 assists, with 11 of those goals and 6 assists in her final season. Malham was named All-SEC and an all-region selection in 2019 and 2021.

Along with their time together at Arkansas, Goins and Malham both attended Union High School in Broken Arrow, Okla., where they went two straight seasons unbeaten. The two also grew up playing on the same club team.

The additions of Goins and Malham add to another signing announced Tuesday, with forward Sh'Nia Gordon joining Racing from CSKA Moscow.

"We also thank all the trialists who participated in preseason camp," Björkegren said. "We had many good players in with bright futures. We at Racing also want to pass along best wishes to Emily Smith, who suffered an injury in a recent preseason game. Emily is an amazing person and player. We're sure she'll bounce back from this even stronger."

Racing will play six group stage Challenge Cup games - home and away against the Current, Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash - before the regular season begins later this spring. Tickets remain available by visiting RacingLouFC.com/Challenge-Cup.

2022 Racing Louisville FC Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Hillary Beall, Jordyn Bloomer (CDP), Katie Lund

Defenders (5): Gemma Bonner (INT), Emily Fox, Nealy Martin, Addisyn Merrick, Erin Simon,

Midfielders (6): Savannah DeMelo (CDP), Jaelin Howell (CDP), Taylor Malham, Lauren Milliet, Freja Olofsson (INT), Taylor Otto

Forwards (8): Kirsten Davis, Emina Ekic, Parker Goins, Sh'Nia Gordon, Cece Kizer, Jess McDonald, Nadia Nadim (INT), Ebony Salmon (INT)

INT = international spot

CDP = 2022 college draft pick

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