Racing Louisville FC and the Houston Dash have agreed to a trade, with Ebony Salmon heading to Houston in exchange for allocation money.
The two sides announced the trade on Monday. After the deal, Salmon signed a contract extension with the Dash through the 2023 season. She will be available for Houston’s next match on July 1.
The 𝐬𝐞𝐚cret's out 😉Welcome to Houston, @ebony_salmon!#HoldItDown— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 27, 2022
The 𝐬𝐞𝐚cret's out 😉Welcome to Houston, @ebony_salmon!#HoldItDown
For 2022, Racing will receive $150,000 in allocation money. Then in 2023, they will receive $25,000 in allocation money. There is also a performance-based incentive, with Racing receiving up to $15,000 more in allocation money this year if Salmon meets the criteria while with the Dash.
“We thank Ebony for all of her contributions here in Louisville and see this as an opportunity for her to get the minutes she’s seeking,” said Racing coach Kim Björkegren. “At the same time, the allocation money received will in return allow us to pursue new player signings this year.”
Salmon was the team’s highest scorer in Louisville’s inaugural season, notching six goals in 2021. Through the first months of the season in 2022, she’s made nine appearances – including two starts.
“I am excited for the next chapter, but I want to thank the Racing fans for all of their support over the past year,” Salmon said. “When I arrived in Louisville, they welcomed me with open arms.”
In a statement, Louisville president James O’Connor called the decision to trade Salmon “difficult.”
“Ebony is a young player with a bright future. We wish her the very best moving forward and appreciate the work she put in here,” he said.
With the departure of Salmon, four of the team’s top five scorers last season are no longer with the club. Cece Kizer was traded to Kansas City in early June while Savannah McCaskill was traded to Angel City in the offseason. Yuki Nagasato also returned to the Chicago Red Stars in the offseason after requesting a trade back to Chicago to be closer to her fiancé.