Racing Louisville FC announced a handful of roster moves Saturday as the club prepares for the final stages of the 2023 campaign and a 5:30 p.m. Sunday kickoff at NJ/NY Gotham.
South Africa forward Thembi Kgatlana returned to Louisville on Friday to rejoin the team after leading Banyana Banyana on a historic run to the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16. Kgatlana scored twice in the group stage, including the game-winner that clinched her team’s first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage four years after scoring South Africa’s first-ever World Cup goal. She is available for selection on Sunday.
Midfielder Alex Chidiac, fresh off her run with the Australia national team to the World Cup semifinals, will go on loan to Mexican powerhouse Tigres through the end of the year.
Fellow midfielder Taylor Aylmer, who originally joined Racing on a National Team Replacement Player temporary contract, will sign with Louisville through the rest of the season. She joins former NTRP Maddie Pokorny in signing a permanent deal with Racing after spending the duration of the World Cup with Louisville.
Racing (4-4-8, 20 points) and NJ/NY Gotham will play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, the first of Louisville’s final six regular season matches. Louisville is four points out of a playoff spot, aiming to reach the postseason for the first time in the club’s young history.
Kgatlana has a goal and an assist in 10 appearances across all competitions for Racing since returning from a torn Achilles tendon in early May. The 27-year-old scored her first goal in a Racing jersey in the 2-0 win over Gotham on June 18.
Chidiac appeared in two games for The Matildas in their historic run as co-hosts of this summer World Cup. The 24-year-old scored two goals in 16 starts over 28 appearances in the past two seasons with Racing, including two starts this year in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, helping Louisville advance to the semifinals.
“We are so grateful for Alex’s contributions to this team over the past 17 months,” Racing general manager Ryan Dell said. “She is a fantastic teammate with a one-of-a-kind personality. We agreed that this is a great opportunity with Tigres, and it will give her the chance to get the game experience she seeks.”
Aylmer, 24, appeared in two Challenge Cup matches for Racing as an NTRP, starting one. A versatile midfielder, Aylmer spent two years with the Washington Spirit, winning the 2021 NWSL Championship. She also appeared in one Challenge Cup match with Gotham before her move to Washington in 2021.
“Taylor is a solid addition to our squad,” Dell said. “She is a young player but already experienced in the league, and we’re happy to continue working with her as she develops.”
“I am so excited to continue with Racing Louisville through the end of the season,” Aylmer said. “From day one of joining the club, I have felt welcomed and right at home. I am excited to work alongside such a great group of players and staff to represent, and achieve success, for Louisville.”
