Racing Louisville FC forward Emina Ekic will go on loan to an Australian A-League Women club for a portion of the 2022-23 season.
The 23-year-old Ekic is joining Melbourne City FC, where she’ll play until mid-February before returning to Louisville for preseason camp.
“I’m really excited to go see a different part of the world and gain some more playing experience,” Ekic said. “It’s been incredible getting to play soccer in my hometown for so long, but I think this will be a great growth opportunity for me in many ways.”
A Louisville native, Ekic has four goals and two assists across all competitions in two years with her hometown NWSL club, including one of Racing’s three direct free kick goals this past season. Ekic appeared in 44 games over the past two seasons, starting 19.
The former ACC offensive player of the year was the fifth pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft.
“It will be a good experience for Emina to go abroad and play,” said Racing coach Kim Björkegren. “We all love the fact that she is from Louisville and plays for us, but to see things from a different angle can be great for a player’s development.”
Melbourne City is an A-League Women powerhouse, with four championships since 2016. City opens November 20 against New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix.
Ekic joins four Racing teammates Down Under during the NWSL’s offseason. Goalkeeper Hillary Beall and forward Jess McDonald are both on loan to Western United FC in suburban Melbourne; goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer joined the Western Sydney Wanderers; and native Australian midfielder Alex Chidiac is with Melbourne Victory FC.
