Portland and Racing Louisville agree shock trade for Janine Beckie 🇨🇦 | OneFootball

Portland Thorns and Racing Louisville have completed a shock player swap on Wednesday.

Rookie forward Reilyn Turner heads West while Canadian Olympic gold medalist Janine Beckie now heads to Kentucky on a two-year contract.

“It is always a difficult decision to trade a player, especially a young talent like Reilyn,” said Racing general manager Ryan Dell.

“We are intent on building a team that can make a serious pursuit of a playoff spot, and we know Janine will help us immensely in that effort. Her combination of playmaking ability and locker room leadership makes us a better squad.”

“Not only is Janine a top player, but she’s a top human who makes everyone around her better. Her impact to this club and this city will not be forgotten,” said general manager Karina LeBlanc.

“Reilyn is an exciting young prospect who has adapted well to the league. She has proven that she can score goals at this level, and will help bolster our attack.”

Turner departs Racing after being the club’s first pick in this year’s NWSL Draft. She registered five goals and two assists in 19 games.

Beckie, meanwhile, recorded three goals and four assists for the Thorns in 35 games.