Racing Louisville FC and GM Ryan Dell Part Ways: What’s Next for the Club?
Big changes are underway at Racing Louisville FC. On Monday, the club announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with general manager Ryan Dell. The news comes as a significant shake-up for a team still searching for its first playoff appearance in the NWSL.
Ryan Dell, who became Racing Louisville’s first-ever general manager ahead of the 2023 season, is leaving the club to “pursue another opportunity in the soccer industry,” according to the team’s official statement. Dell’s contract was originally set to run through the end of 2024, with a mutual option for 2025, ESPN confirmed.
Leadership Transition: A Club in Flux
John Neace, chairman of Soccer Holdings, the parent company of Racing Louisville, expressed gratitude for Dell’s contributions during his tenure. “We appreciate Ryan’s effort and contributions over the past two seasons,” Neace said in a statement. “While we fell just short of our goal of making the NWSL playoffs this year, Ryan departs having helped us establish a core group of players who will be competitive in 2025 and beyond. Along with the coaching staff, they promise to make next season an exciting one for us. We wish Ryan the very best in his next career move. He has a bright future.”
Despite the optimism, the numbers tell a challenging story. Racing Louisville has finished in ninth place in all four seasons of its existence in the NWSL, including both years under Dell’s leadership. The team has yet to make the playoffs, a milestone that continues to elude the club.
What’s Next for Racing Louisville?
With Dell’s departure, Racing Louisville now joins a growing list of NWSL teams currently without a full-time general manager. The club is in the company of the Portland Thorns, Houston Dash, and Bay FC, all of whom are also searching for new leadership in their front offices.
In a statement, Racing Louisville emphasized its intent to move quickly in appointing a new general manager. The timing will be critical as the team looks to build on the foundation laid during Dell’s tenure and make a serious push for playoff contention in 2025.
Ryan Dell’s Legacy in Louisville
Before joining Racing Louisville, Dell spent nine years with the U.S. Soccer Federation, where he built a strong background in soccer operations. His resume includes serving as a support staff manager for the U.S. women’s national team during their victorious 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns. He later took on roles as team administrator and team manager.
One of Dell’s notable achievements during his time in Louisville was leveraging his connections with U.S. Soccer to bring the U.S. women’s national team to the city for a friendly against Argentina in October. It was the USWNT’s first game in Louisville in 20 years, a moment that undoubtedly left a mark on the local soccer community.
Bev Yanez: A New Era for Coaching
While Dell’s departure marks the end of one chapter, Racing Louisville is also navigating a new era under head coach Bev Yanez. The 36-year-old former NWSL player just completed her first season in charge of the team. Yanez’s leadership will be crucial as the club works to turn its fortunes around and finally break into the playoff picture.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of the situation:
- Ryan Dell, Racing Louisville’s first-ever general manager, is leaving the club to pursue another opportunity in soccer.
- The team has finished in ninth place in all four of its NWSL seasons and has yet to make the playoffs.
- Racing Louisville plans to move quickly in appointing a new general manager.
- The club joins Portland Thorns, Houston Dash, and Bay FC as NWSL teams currently without a full-time GM.
- Head coach Bev Yanez, in her first season, will play a key role in shaping the team’s future.
As Racing Louisville looks ahead, the pressure is on to find the right leadership to guide the team to its first playoff berth. Fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this pivotal moment in its history.
Originally Written by: Unknown
