The National Women’s Soccer League rights to Tobin Heath and Christen Press are now with Racing Louisville FC.
In Thursday evening’s NWSL Expansion Draft, Louisville decided to take Portland and Utah up on their offers and select the rights to the two U.S. national team stars. Heath and Press, whose rights were left unprotected by the Thorns and Royals, respectively, are currently over in England, playing for Manchester United in the FAWSL.
Racing Louisville made two other surprising picks, taking the rights to Australians Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord. Both are currently playing in the FAWSL: Kennedy for Tottenham (on loan from Orlando), and Foord for Arsenal.
In total, Louisville made 14 picks, including two goalkeepers, five defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards. The Chicago Red Stars were exempt from the draft after trading Savannah McCaskill, Yuki Nagasato, a first-round pick in 2021 and an international slot in 2021 and 2022 to Louisville in exchange for immunity.
Full list of Expansion Draft picks:
Name/ Position/ Team acquired from:
Addisyn Merrick / Defender / North Carolina Courage
Julia Ashley / Defender / OL Reign
Jennifer Cudjoe / Midfielder / Sky Blue FC
Cece Kizer / Forward / Houston Dash
Katie Lund / Goalkeeper / Washington Spirit
Alanna Kennedy / Defender / Orlando Pride
Lauren Milliet / Midfielder / North Carolina Courage
Kaleigh Riehl / Defender / Sky Blue FC
Caitlin Foord / Midfielder / Orlando Pride
Katie McClure / Forward / Washington Spirit
Erin Simon / Defender / Houston Dash
Michelle Betos / Goalkeeper / OL Reign
Tobin Heath / Midfielder / Portland Thorns
Christen Press / Forward / Utah Royals
