LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Racing Louisville FC traded captain Jaelin Howell to Seattle Reign FC for veteran forward Bethany Balcer, the club announced Monday.
Racing is also sending Seattle $50,000 in allocation money in exchange for Reign's leading goal scorer. Balcer, who currently has five goals for the season, has the third-most goals in the NWSL since 2019.
May 3, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Reign FC forward Bethany Balcer (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against San Diego Wave FC during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
The former No. 2 overall pick in Howell gets a fresh start elsewhere in her young career to show what kind of impact she can make as a physical and promising presence. Injuries unfortunately slowed her down during three Racing seasons. But the NWSL Nationwide Community Impact Award winner also made a major impact off the field, most notably with Down Syndrome of Louisville.
On the field, though, Racing loves its midfield depth. Taylor Flint, who joined Louisville in the offseason, has arguably been the team's best player. Savannah DeMelo is a constant and key weapon in Racing's attack. Ary Borges is back healthy to hopefully connect things centrally. And Marisa DiGrande has impressed in her minutes.
Louisville's attack needed help for a playoff push. While there are young talents who have produced like Emma Sears and Reilyn Turner, Racing has missed a reliable and proven scorer. Over the club's current five-match winless streak in league play, it has scored just four goals.
The team is banking on Balcer being the answer to fix that. The 27-year-old is the league's only player to score five or more goals in each season since her first in 2019, when she won Rookie of the Year.
Balcer, who has led Seattle in goals every year since she joined the club, has also been a key part of Reign's past success. She helped the club win an NWSL Shield in 2022 and has gone to at least the league semifinal every year since 2019, with the lone exception being 2020.
Racing is just two points behind Bay FC for the final NWSL playoff spot. The club is intently seeking to make the postseason for the first time in its short history under first-year head coach Bev Yanez and second-year general manager in Ryan Dell.
Racing Louisville FC coach Bev Yanez.
It has already been an active stretch for that decision-making duo. Last week, the organization respected a request from former Louisville outside back Carson Pickett to be closer to home, sending the Florida native to Orlando in exchange for $75,000 in allocation money. Racing also worked out an extension with a promising young player in Kayla Fischer.
Louisville returns to NWSL action on Saturday when the Chicago Red Stars visit Lynn Family Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. match. Howell is due to return to Louisville with Seattle on Aug. 31.
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