Janine Beckie Traded to Racing Louisville
The Canadian International is headed to Racing Louisville in exchange for Reilyn Turner.
On April 1, 2022 Canadian International, Janine Beckie, signed a three-year contract with the Portland Thorns after a spell at Manchester City. The Thorns acquired Beckie’s rights from Racing Louisville in exchange for $75,000 in allocation money
After suffering a season-ending injury in the 2023 preseason, Janine Beckie made her emphatic return to football in the 2024 season opener against Kansas City Current where she tallied a brace.
Heading into a contract year, Karina LeBlanc and the Portland Thorns had a choice to make: pick up her option or make a trade to get value before it’s too late.
LeBlanc opted to trade her to Racing Louisville for Reilyn Turner. The club officially announced the trade today.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time Janine spent with us in Portland, from the moment she arrived she fully embraced what it means to be a member of this club and this community,” General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said. “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. We wish her nothing but the best and look forward to seeing what she does in Louisville.
An argument could be made that Beckie never got a real chance to succeed in Portland or never found her footing. One thing is clear, however, she is leaving a huge void of leadership, work ethic, and so much more. She has been one of the most vocal leaders in the locker room since her arrival and has gone above and beyond off the pitch.
Turner who was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, is one of the brightest young attackers in the league. She has already tallied six goal contributions this season (four goals & two assists).
“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,” LeBlanc said. “We are excited for her to continue to grow and find success as a member of the Thorns.”
The California native will be returning to the West Coast. She scored double-digit goals in each of her seasons in Los Angeles, amassing 42 goals, 16 game-winners and seven multi-goal games (fifth in UCLA history). She also tallied 16 career assists.
Reilyn Turner was widely regarded as one of the best players leading into the 2024 NWSL Draft. She had a solid first round grade from nearly all pundits and has a sky-high ceiling full of potential. Although she is mainly suited to be a central attacker, Turner also has the ability to go out wide when needed. Ana Dias and Izzy D’Aquila have struggled to gain momentum and it looks like Turner will start in all two front formations and be one of the first options off the bench.
Can she unlock her full potential in Portland?
Instant Reaction:
This is a win-win for both clubs. Racing Louisville gets one of the best leaders in football. For a young team, this will speed up their development. Portland sheds quite a bit of salary, acquires one of the best young attackers in the league, and fill a huge void behind Soph Smith. They also have another piece and building block for the future. The only question is whether or not Turner will get on the field enough to unlock her massive potential.
Grade: B+
Show Janine Beckie appreciation in the comments!
She has been nothing but the absolute best and highest level of professionalism with everyone in the media. Also an excellent leader, teammate, and part of the community that the Rose City is thankful for.
All of us at STF are wishing JB the best of luck at Racing Louisville.
Hey all, we will be covering the new CBA from a Portland Thorns perspective. Many outlets covered it already, so STF will do it with perspective of Thorns players, coaches, and staff. I'll be at training next week as well.
More content on the way :)
My primary takeaway is that whatever abstract "young/athletic/high potential vision" concept that that the FO has been going on about since the Bhathals took over is being followed pretty much to a tee. Non-keeper acquisitions since January: Fleming (26), Obaze (21), Müller (23), Payne (23), Spaanstra (24), Turner (21). They still need more proven talent in the offseason if they want to really challenge next season, but this is pretty much the dictionary definition of a soft rebuild. These adds have me feeling a whole lot better, especially since they got a real talent for Janine, who was likely out the door for free.
For those unfamiliar with Turner: She's pretty much like if Morgan Weaver was slightly more of a goal scorer and slightly less of a creator (WSU Weaver, in other words). A wide(ish) forward who can play centrally and on the wing, good in the air, very athletic with NT pedigree who had really started to play well with Louisville. She's played mostly as a lone striker for Louisville (not really where she's best imo), so it'll be interesting to see if the Thorns play her on the right as a direct Beckie replacement.
Here's the comp radar chart: https://www.imghippo.com/i/Cn9E61724275986.png