Racing Louisville FC grabbed two U.S. Women's World Cup champions in the National Women's Soccer League expansion draft Thursday, selecting midfielder Tobin Heath and forward Christen Press with their final two picks.
The Louisville squad is set to become the NWSL's 10th team when it kicks off play in 2021.
The rights to Heath were selected from the Portland Thorns, and the rights to Press were obtained from the Utah Royals. However, it is unclear when or if either of the stars might play for Racing Louisville.
Let's make a proper introduction...
More on tonight's 14 selections in the @NWSL expansion draft https://t.co/XRtLxnHEBt pic.twitter.com/huDgGdguS1— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) November 13, 2020
Both players left their NWSL clubs earlier this year to join Manchester United in the FA Women's Super League. After the English club season ends, Heath and Press figure to be tied up with commitments to the U.S. national team next year leading up the Tokyo Olympics, which are scheduled to start July 21.
Heath, 32, has been part of four major championships with the U.S. team: the 2008 and 2012 Olympics plus the 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups. She was selected the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2016.
Press, 31, was a member of the championship U.S. Women's World Cup teams in 2015 and 2019. Her total of 58 goals for the national team ranks 10th all time.
Louisville had the option to select up to two members of the U.S. national team, and it would have received $150,000 for choosing none or $75,000 for choosing just one.
The players selected by Racing Louisville, in order:
- 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 Reihl — Defender, Sky Blue FC
- Caitlin Foord — Forward, 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 FC