Racing Louisville FC had a lot of solid pieces last year in a season that just couldn’t pick up momentum despite standout performances from multiple players donning the purple shirt. Now, in addition to some impressive offseason acquisitions from around the league and outside of it, head coach Kim Björkegren’s side will have their expectations increased ahead of the season opening this weekend.

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11^th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season. In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener. Racing Louisville FC 2022 Season : 9 ^th | 5-9-8 – 23 points Big Additions : * Ary Borges – Brazilian international, most recently with Palmeiras in Brazil’s top flight

• Abby Erceg – Acquired via trade with North Carolina Courage

• Kayla Fischer – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 16 overall pick

• Carson Pickett – Acquired via trade with North Carolina Courage Key Games : * March 26: Houston Dash (A) – Regular Season Opener

• April 1: Washington Spirit (H) – Regular Season Home Opener

• May 17: Kansas City Current (H) – Challenge Cup Opener What to Know : Racing Louisville FC had a lot of solid pieces last year in a season that just couldn’t pick up momentum despite standout performances from multiple players donning the purple shirt. Now, in addition to some impressive offseason acquisitions from around the league and outside of it, head coach Kim Björkegren’s side will have their expectations increased ahead of the season opening this weekend. There are plenty of familiar faces returning to Lynn Family Stadium, starting with goalkeeper Katie Lund, who set the NWSL record for saves in a season last year with 112, and continuing in defense with the likes of Julia Lester and Paige Monaghan. The additions of Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, both of whom were consistent standout features for the North Carolina Courage, and will only help bolster the club’s defense as it seeks to improve its defensive record while creating more opportunities moving forward. In midfield, Savannah DeMelo, Jaelin Howell, and Alex Chidiac are among returners who had multiple bright spots in 2022, and though she is still a relatively new face having joined in August of last year, Chinese international Wang Shuang will want every opportunity to demonstrate her abilities this year. Rookie Kayla Fischer and Brazilian international Ary Borges are among the new additions and will not just provide depth for the side but will look to challenge for starting places amid a packed central midfield. Up top is where Louisville’s season can really be made, though, with the likes of Jessica McDonald, Emina Ekic, Kirsten Davis, and Nadia Nadim–the team’s leading scorer last year—all returning. 2018 African Player of the Year Thembi Kgatlana, is fresh to the attack but, like Ekic, will need to time to come back from injury, and is new alongside Nigerian striker Uchenna Kanu. This crop of talent will expect to compete for a playoff position this year, and with optimism blooming, Björkegren told RacingLouFC.com: “I think the balance of some young, hungry players with some with more experience will help the team in moving forward and taking the next step.”