Racing Louisville Parts Ways with Head Coach Kim Björkegren
Racing Louisville, a professional women’s soccer team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has announced the departure of head coach Kim Björkegren. Multiple sources familiar with the matter revealed that players were informed of the decision in a meeting on Friday morning. The sources, who requested anonymity, stated that Racing Louisville declined to comment on the matter.
Björkegren was appointed as the club’s second head coach in 2022, following previous coaching stints in Sweden, China, and Cyprus. During his tenure, he oversaw a talented roster that included United States internationals Savannah DeMelo, Jaelin Howell, and Carson Pickett, as well as international stars Ary Borges, Abby Erceg, and Nadia Nadim. Goalkeeper Katie Lund also had an impressive season in 2023, earning a nomination for the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Despite the presence of these standout players, Racing Louisville finished ninth in the NWSL table in 2023, marking the third consecutive season in which they ended in that position. The team struggled in the final weeks of the season, losing three of their last four games, including defeats against lower-ranked teams like the Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars.
The underwhelming performance has put pressure on Racing Louisville to build a playoff-caliber team. The club plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Lynn Family Stadium, which opened in 2021. However, average attendance has declined over the past three NWSL seasons, dropping from 6,565 in 2021 to 5,999 this year. In contrast, Louisville City FC, the men’s second-division USL Championship team owned by the same ownership group, has consistently been a title contender.
In an effort to improve the team’s fortunes, Racing Louisville has made several staff changes in recent months. Former NWSL player Beverly Yanez was hired as an assistant coach in November, and Ryan Dell, a former USWNT team manager, was appointed as the general manager in March.
The departure of Kim Björkegren presents an opportunity for Racing Louisville to bring in a new head coach who can lead the team to success. The club’s ownership is undoubtedly eager to see the women’s team replicate the achievements of Louisville City FC and become a force in the NWSL. With the right leadership and strategic signings, Racing Louisville has the potential to attract more fans and build a competitive team that can challenge for playoff spots and ultimately contend for the NWSL title.
The search for a new head coach will likely be a priority for Racing Louisville in the coming weeks. The club will need to find a candidate who not only possesses strong coaching credentials but also understands the unique challenges and dynamics of women’s professional soccer. Additionally, the new coach will need to have a clear vision for the team’s playing style and be able to effectively develop and motivate the players.
As Racing Louisville embarks on this new chapter, fans and supporters will be eagerly anticipating the announcement of the new head coach. The success of the team on and off the field will depend on the ability of the new coach to build a cohesive and competitive squad. With the right leadership and support, Racing Louisville has the potential to establish itself as one of the top teams in the NWSL and bring excitement and success to the city’s soccer fans.
In conclusion, Racing Louisville has made the decision to part ways with head coach Kim Björkegren after a disappointing season. The club will now focus on finding a new head coach who can lead the team to success and help them become a playoff contender in the NWSL. With a talented roster and state-of-the-art stadium, Racing Louisville has the potential to attract more fans and establish themselves as a force in women’s professional soccer. The upcoming appointment of a new head coach will be crucial in determining the team’s future trajectory.