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NWSL Racing Louisville FC

Racing Lands Top Draft Pick, Draft Protection for Press' NWSL Rights

August 23, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release


Racing Louisville FC and Angel City FC have agreed to a trade involving the NWSL playing rights of U.S. international forward Christen Press, the club announced Monday.

Racing exchanged the right to sign Press for Angel City's first-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, $75,000 in allocation money and roster protection from Angel City in the 2021 expansion draft.

Thanks to the deal, Racing will be open only to a selection from the NWSL's other incoming franchise, San Diego, in the Dec. 16 expansion draft. Allocation money can be used to fund contracts above the league's maximum, while Angel City's 2021 first-round pick will be No. 1 or No. 2 overall with draft order to be determined later.

"We are pleased to secure a deal where we get a top first-round draft pick, receive a significant allocation mount and, importantly, protect our squad," said James O'Connor, Racing's executive vice president of development. "On top of all that it is also nice that Christen gets to come back to the league and play for a new team at home in Los Angeles. We wish her the very best of luck at Angel City."

Last year's No. 1 pick, defender Emily Fox, went to Racing Louisville, where the U.S. Women's National Team prospect has already worked her way into May's Team of the Month. Forward Trinity Rodman went No. 2 to the Washington Spirit and has tallied four goals and three assists as a rookie.

Rights to Press, 32, were originally acquired by Louisville in the 2020 expansion draft from the former Utah Royals. Press played for Manchester United through England's FA Women's Super League 2020-2021 season and recently featured on the United States' bronze medal-winning squad at the Tokyo Olympics.

"We are delighted to secure an agreement with Angel City that provides us with many vital assets that allow us to continue to build our team as we look to the future," said Racing head coach Christy Holly. "Additionally, we are delighted to see Christen getting back in the league and wish her continued success."

Fresh off winning The Women's Cup, an inaugural tournament at Lynn Family Stadium, Racing continues a congested portion of its NWSL season this week with away games Wednesday at Kansas City and Sunday against the Houston Dash. At 4-6-4, the club is unbeaten in its last four games across all competitions and vying to become the first NWSL expansion team to make the playoffs.

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