Run With Us | Racing Louisville FC

[six7]

took home the chip!!

[Agent]

LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

took home the chip!!

was a time for popping bottles

Now we move to season 4.

[Agent]

Racing Louisville Ready to Run It Back: Can Filipa Patão’s Squad Repeat in 2027?



After a historic 2026 campaign that ended with a dominant 3-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham in the NWSL Championship Final, Racing Louisville FC enters the 2027 season not as a dark horse, but as the hunted. And head coach Filipa Patão, now entering her fourth season at the helm, is embracing the challenge.

“We’re not here to defend,” Patão said in preseason training. “We’re here to win it again. New year. New fight.”

It’s been a meteoric rise under Patão. In 2024, Racing stunned the league by reaching the semifinals before falling to the Orlando Pride. In 2025, they were heartbreakingly close again, bowing out to the Kansas City Current. But in 2026, everything clicked. The team bulldozed through the playoffs and finished the job, with star midfielder Ella Palis scoring twice in the Final and capturing Player of the Tournament honors.

Now, Palis will wear the armband following the retirement of Kosovare Asllani, the club legend who helped build Racing’s foundation from Day 1.

“Fili [Patão] believed in me when I came in,” Palis said. “Now it’s my turn to lead the way forward.”

Palis won’t be alone. Regina van Eijk, the reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, returns between the posts after a phenomenal season. Her reflexes and command of the box were game-changing during Racing’s title run. The Dutch keeper enters her fourth season with the team brimming with confidence—and silverware.

Up top, fans will see a familiar face leading the line. Alisha Lehmann, the Swiss international and one of Racing's most dynamic forwards, takes over the striker role vacated by Asllani. Her pace and clinical finishing are expected to keep Racing’s attack as lethal as ever.

“She brings fire,” Patão said of Lehmann. “She’s fearless, and she’s ready.”

Another name to watch? Erëleta Memeti. After an explosive sophomore season where she tallied 12 goals and 8 assists, the 27-year-old winger is being tipped for superstardom. With defenses focusing on Palis and Lehmann, Memeti may have the space—and freedom—to take over games.

“She’s electric,” van Eijk said. “When she has the ball on the wing, we’re already celebrating.”

Despite Asllani’s departure, the belief in the locker room is unwavering. With a championship in their rearview and continuity across the coaching staff and core players, Racing Louisville may have only just begun its golden era.

The question now isn’t “can they win?” It’s “who’s going to stop them?”

[Agent]

Racing Louisville Sell Midfielder Marisa DiGrande to NJ/NY Gotham



In a move that has turned heads across the NWSL, Racing Louisville have sold defensive midfielder Marisa DiGrande to NJ/NY Gotham FC for a reported $130,000 transfer fee, sources confirmed this week.

The 30-year-old, known for her tough tackling and positional intelligence, has been a vital part of Racing’s midfield over the past three seasons under head coach Filipa Patão. Her departure marks a significant shift for the reigning champions, who defeated Gotham 3–0 in last year’s NWSL Final.

“Marisa was a key contributor to our success,” Patão said in a club statement. “We thank her for everything and wish her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her career.”

The move is seen as a major pickup for Gotham, who are looking to reload after their crushing loss in the championship. DiGrande’s arrival is expected to shore up their defensive midfield and bring leadership to a squad hungry for redemption.

“It’s a fresh start for me,” DiGrande said. “Gotham is building something special, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

While Racing fans may be surprised by the sale, club insiders suggest the move was part of a broader strategy. Shortly after the transfer was finalized, Racing extended CDM Taylor Flint's contract for 3 more seasons at a $6K wage, capitalizing on the financial freedom with the sale.

Gotham and Racing are set to meet June 12th in the regular season—a rematch of the NWSL championship match & now that clash carries even more weight.

Additionally, Racing also announced the sales of CB Elli Pikkujämsä to Crystal Palace & LB Anna Anderson to En Avant Guingamp.

[Agent]

Hometown Hero Returns: Christine Tremblay Back with Racing Louisville and Ready to Rise



The future has arrived in Louisville—and her name is Christine Tremblay.

After a year-long loan with the Houston Dash, the 19-year-old center back and Louisville native is officially back with Racing Louisville FC, and head coach Filipa Patão isn’t wasting any time: Tremblay is set to start alongside Sophia Kleinherne in the heart of Racing’s defense as they prepare to defend their 2026 NWSL title.

A product of Racing’s youth academy, Tremblay was highly touted from an early age for her composure on the ball, aggressive tackling, and natural leadership qualities. Her loan to Houston gave her valuable playing time and exposure at the professional level—and now, she’s returning to her hometown club ready to make an immediate impact.

“Christine’s development has been phenomenal,” Patão said during preseason training. “She’s only 19, but she plays with the maturity and technical ability of a seasoned pro. She’s earned her place.”

Tremblay featured in 17 matches for the Dash last season, impressing with her defensive awareness, aerial dominance, and fearless attitude. Scouts across the league have taken notice, with some already touting her as a future U.S. Women’s National Team candidate.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl,” Tremblay said after her return was announced. “To wear this badge at Lynn Family Stadium, in front of the fans who watched me grow up—there’s no better feeling.”

Her partnership with German international Sophia Kleinherne could be one of the most exciting duos in the league this season—combining experience and youthful fire in Racing’s back line. With Regina van Eijk behind them in goal, Racing’s defense could be even more formidable in 2027.

“She’s ready,” Kleinherne said of Tremblay. “There’s no ceiling for Christine. She’s got everything it takes.”

As Racing Louisville looks to build on last year’s title run, Tremblay’s return isn’t just a feel-good story—it might be one of the most important moves of the offseason.

[Agent]

Transfer Window Update.

[Agent]

Racing Louisville Sign Midfield Prospect Lily Yohannes to 5-Year Deal



Racing Louisville FC have bolstered their midfield depth with the signing of promising American midfielder Lily Yohannes, the club announced Monday. The 19-year-old joins the defending NWSL champions as a free agent on a 5-year deal worth $2,000 per week.

Yohannes, who most recently played for Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, is widely viewed as one of the top young American midfielders abroad. Known for her quick decision-making, tactical awareness, and calmness under pressure, the teenager now returns stateside to continue her development under Filipa Patão and one of the league’s most competitive squads.

“We believe Lily has the potential to become a key piece in our future,” said Patão. “She brings great vision, technical ability, and a willingness to learn—everything you want in a young midfielder.”

Though Yohannes will begin the season as a rotational option behind starters Ella Palis and Taylor Flint, club insiders suggest she could see significant minutes in cup competitions and late-match scenarios as she adapts to the NWSL’s pace and physicality.

“I’m honored to be joining Racing Louisville,” Yohannes said in a statement. “It’s a dream to play in this league and to grow under a coach like Filipa. I’m ready to work and earn my place.”

Yohannes made 21 appearances for Ajax over two seasons, showcasing versatility in both attacking and holding midfield roles. Her return to the U.S. comes at a time when Racing is reloading for another title run, with several young stars stepping into larger roles.

With Yohannes, Louisville gains not only a talented prospect, but also another layer of depth in a midfield unit that’s already among the most balanced in the NWSL.

[Agent]

Racing Louisville Add Depth at Right Back with Zoe Burns Signing



Racing Louisville FC have officially signed right back Zoe Burns on a free transfer, the club announced Friday. The 25-year-old Canadian defender returns to the NWSL after a stint with French side FC Fleury 91, and is expected to play a key depth role in the squad’s title defense.

Originally drafted into the NWSL in 2024, Burns began her career with the Utah Royals, starting in 16 of 24 appearances. After one season, Burns signed with Fleury to hone her craft in the competitive Première Ligue. Her time in Europe helped elevate her defensive discipline and positional intelligence—traits that Racing head coach Filipa Patão values highly.

“We’ve had our eye on Zoe for a while,” said Patão. “She brings a steady presence on the right side and has matured significantly during her time in France. She’s a perfect fit for our system and locker room.”

Burns is expected to serve as the primary backup to Asmita Ale, who held down the starting right back role throughout Racing’s 2026 championship season.

“I’m excited to be back in the NWSL, especially with a club like Racing Louisville,” Burns said. “This is a team with big goals and high standards—I’m ready to contribute however I can.”

Known for her tenacity, overlapping runs, and ability to deliver sharp crosses into the box, Burns provides reliable depth and flexibility on the backline. At 25, she enters her prime years with a chip on her shoulder and a point to prove in one of the world’s top leagues.

Racing continues to shape a balanced, deep squad heading into 2027, reinforcing both its starting XI and the bench with young, experienced talent hungry for success.

[Agent]

Racing Louisville Sign Goalkeeper Alice Pinguet Following Bloomer Departure



Racing Louisville FC have added depth between the posts with the signing of French goalkeeper Alice Pinguet, the club confirmed Saturday. The 24-year-old joins as a free agent for a 2-year deal with a $2,400 wage. Pinguet will serve as the backup to reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Regina van Eijk.

The move comes in the wake of Jordyn Bloomer’s departure to Madrid CFF earlier this transfer window. With van Eijk firmly established as the league’s top shot-stopper, Racing needed a dependable second option—and found one in the highly-rated French prospect.

“Alice is a calm, technically sound goalkeeper with a lot of upside,” said Racing head coach Filipa Patão. “She understands her role coming in, and she’s ready to contribute to our culture of excellence in every way.”

Pinguet arrives with experience from the French domestic leagues and youth national team levels. She brings strong fundamentals, sharp reflexes, and excellent distribution—key traits in Patão’s possession-based system.

“I’m thrilled to join a club with such ambition and structure,” Pinguet said. “Regina is world-class, and I’m looking forward to learning from her and pushing myself every day in this environment.”

While van Eijk remains the unquestioned starter after a stellar 2026 campaign that culminated in both individual honors and a league title, Pinguet’s arrival ensures Racing have solid coverage in net for rotation, cup matches, and potential international call-ups.

With this final move of the transfer window, Racing Louisville closes out a strategic and forward-thinking offseason—reloading not just to defend their crown, but to build sustainable success for years to come.

[Agent]

Kit changes worth noting: Palis will wear #6 instead of the #19 (she wears that irl) & Kleinherne will wear #4 instead of #3 (also irl)

& with that, it's time for season 4. Let's experiment with the new look with some preseason futbol. Leaving the Beats Cup behind & competing in the European International Cup