Results from the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft

It’s official! Racing Louisville can finally say they have a team to get ready for in 2021. The 2020 Expansion Draft ran without much of a hitch on November 12th while streaming on Twitch. Head Coach Christy Holly and Louisville must be thrilled with their haul of players.

Here’s a closer look at the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft results and how it impacts the league moving forward:

1. Addisyn Merrick (defender, North Carolina Courage)
2. Julia Ashley (defender, OL Reign)
3. Jennifer Cudjoe (midfielder, Sky Blue FC)
4. Cecelia Kizer (forward, Houston Dash)
5. Katie Lund (goalkeeper, Washington Spirit)
6. Alanna Kennedy (midfielder, Orlando Pride)
7. Lauren Milliet (midfielder, NC Courage)
8. Kaleigh Riehl (defender, Sky Blue FC)
9. Caitlin Foord (midfielder, Orlando Pride)
10. Katie McClure (forward, Washington Spirit)
11.  Erin Simon (defender, Houston Dash)
12. Michelle Betos (goalkeeper, OL Reign)
13. Tobin Heath (midfielder, Portland Thorns)
14. Christen Press (forward, Utah Royals)

After taking a look at the 14 players Louisville selected along with Yuki Nagasato and Savannah McCaskill, this team has a chance to be really good. Addisyn Merrick is a young player that North Carolina developed well and Louisville will look to reap those benefits. The same goes for players like Lauren Millet and Julia Ashley who have loads of potential. 

The only misstep one could argue is not selecting Adrianna Franch. She’s a two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and one of the best in the world. To me, she’s the perfect piece to build a franchise around even at age 30. 

Seeing Jennifer Cudjoe get selected is a great story, she’s got a great opportunity to carve out a consistent, starting role for Lousiville. Alanna Kennedy and Michelle Betos are two veterans that will provide vital experience and leadership for the younger players. Betos is still a very solid keeper to have as number one.

However, the most eye-popping picks were Racing Louisville’s last two. Christen Press and Tobin Heath in Louisville colors?! It’s a possibility but the chances are slim. Their season in England has a schedule that already conflicts with the NWSL. Press and Heath would have to be completely done with Manchester United before coming back to the NWSL. Also, is Lousiville a place they’d want to play for over Manchester United? Most likely, not. 

The same goes for Caitlin Foord at Arsenal, a club she just joined, she’s likely not coming to Louisville either. Overall, Louisville did really well in terms of building a team that fits the culture they’re trying to introduce. There’s a solid foundation for a backline, toughness in the midfield, and some potential star power up top too. Racing Louisville might be able to compete for a playoff spot right off the bat depending on how they gel together. Christy Holly has his work cut out for him going into 2021, keep a close eye on how they continue to build their new organization. 

Feature image via Facebook @ Racing Louisville FC

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