Michelle Betos, Julia Ashley Selected by Racing Louisville in Expansion Draft

OL Reign had two players selected by expansion side Racing Louisville FC in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft, which was conducted on Thursday. Goalkeeper Michelle Betos was taken with the 12th pick of the draft, while defender Julia Ashley was taken with the 2nd pick.

Betos was part of OL Reign’s inaugural 2013 season. Since rejoining the club in 2018, the keeper has made 15 appearances in all competitions, maintaining a 0.73 goals against average while keeping five clean sheets. The 32-year-old was placed on the season-ending injury list on October 9 following a meniscectomy.

“It was hard to hear Michelle’s name announced this evening,” said OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore. “Michelle made a massive impact on our club both on and off the field. She’s an inspirational leader and a fantastic talent that will be missed by everybody in our organization.”

Ashley joined the club following a trade with Sky Blue FC in January. The defender aggravated a back injury while on loan with W-League side Adelaide United and subsequently was not named to OL Reign’s 28-player roster for the NWSL Challenge Cup. Ashley’s rehabilitation also kept her from making her club debut during the club for the NWSL Fall Series.

“Julia is a player we believe has a bright future in the NWSL,” said Predmore. “We worked hard to bring her to our club, and although injury kept her from playing any matches for us last season, we continue to expect big things from her. It was a great selection by Louisville and we believe she will prove to be an important player for them next season.”

The NWSL trade window opens on Friday, November 13 at 6 a.m. PT.