While I was patiently tapping my foot waiting for some NWSL trade news, Christy Holly went out and said “to hell with the domestic player market, I’m going WORLDWIDE,” pumped up some Pitbull, and signed Sweden U23 international Freja Olofsson on a two year deal!
Oloffson, whose name literally translates to “The Lady, Son of Olof,” (Olofsdottir means “daughter of Olof” but it’s 2020 and forget traditional naming conventions), is a “dynamic central midfielder,” per Holly. She had a shot at making the 2019 Sweden World Cup team before she tore her ACL while playing domestically for Örebro.
Midfield is something that Racing’s roster is currently a bit short on, but this signing doesn’t necessarily mean Freja (also the name of a Norse goddess who owns the necklace Brísingamen, rides a chariot pulled by two cats, is accompanied by the boar Hildisvíni, and possesses a cloak of falcon feathers) will immediately see playing time, per Holly:
“She’s someone who we feel has tremendous upside. […] As a young player, she’s hungry. She’s got developmental work to do along with many other players we’re bringing in. We feel like this is a great platform for the next stage of her career.”
Racing Louisville press release, December 2, 2020
Either way, we’re excited for her to join Racing Louisville for 2021 and beyond!
OTHER NEWS:
If you aren’t already aware, Niall McCabe agreed to a new contract with Louisville City last week. That is great, as Niall is a club legend, an incredibly useful and versatile player, and has become an important part of the locker room’s leadership.
Also, as expected, Akil Watts agreed to a new deal on Monday. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in 2021, as the compressed 2020 season often saw him on the outside looking in. Watts is an important cog in City’s development program. Hopefully he uses this opportunity to fight for minutes and win a more permanent role on the team.
