Racing Signs European Champion Defender Lester
March 23, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release
Defender Julia Lester with Cyprus' Apollon Ladies FC
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: Apollon Ladies FC)
Racing Louisville FC bolstered its back line with the addition of defender Julia Lester, it was announced Wednesday.
Racing previously claimed the NWSL playing rights to Lester, who starred on coach Kim Björkegren's side at Cyprus' Apollon Ladies FC, by adding her to its discovery list. Lester this week signed a two-year contract with an option for the 2024 season after Louisville agreed on a transfer fee with her former club.
"Julia is a good player with amazing pace," Björkegren said. "She was the captain of my previous team, Apollon Ladies, has played in the UEFA Women's Champions League and won two titles in Cyprus.
"Her personality will suit in the group perfectly because she is a humble, hardworking player."
Over the course of two seasons playing for Björkegren at their former club, Lester worked on a defensive unit that conceded only 14 goals in 31 Cypriot First Division matches. She also made the league's Best XI in 2021.
Just last weekend, Lester scored in her final match in Cyprus, helping Apollon Ladies secure a league trophy with a 14-0-1 record for their season.
Lester made six UEFA Women's Champions League appearances, starting each of those games. Apollon Ladies have also won their most recent domestic Super Cup and advanced to their league cup final.
A Tampa, Fla., native, Lester graduated from the University of Florida, where she appeared in 84 games, starting 67. She was an All-SEC and All-Region selection in 2019.
"Being excited is an understatement," she said of joining Racing. "I remember going to NWSL games when I was younger and being in awe. I can't wait to get started and give all that I have for my team on and off the field."
Lester has arrived in Louisville and will be available for the team's second Challenge Cup game set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday against the Houston Dash at Lynn Family Stadium.
Images from this story
 Defender Julia Lester with Cyprus' Apollon Ladies FC (Apollon Ladies FC) |
National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 23, 2022
- Angela Salem Joins Spirit Technical Staff as Assistant Coach - Washington Spirit
- Kansas City Current Sign Jamaican National Team Goalkeeper Sydney Schneider - Kansas City Current
- Racing Signs European Champion Defender Lester - Racing Louisville FC
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