Racing Louisville and head coach Kim Bjorkegren have mutually parted ways after two seasons, the NWSL club announced Friday.

Bjorkegren, 41, will return home to Europe to pursue other opportunities after consecutive ninth-place finishes in the 12-team league.

General manager Ryan Dell and Racing Louisville have started a global search for their next coach.

“We appreciate all that Kim did for us here at Racing,” said John Neace, chairman of Soccer Holdings, the parent company of Racing Louisville. “The team showed continued improvement under his leadership. We wish him the very best in his next position.”

Bjorkegren coached clubs in Cyprus, China and his native Sweden before joining Racing Louisville.

“I want to say thank you for two great years,” Bjorkegren said. “It has been a lot of hard work, but I’m now happy to leave the club in a better position from when I came to Louisville. … Thanks to the fans and to all the people who make Racing and Louisville a great place. After many years abroad, it’s now time to go back home to Sweden with my family.”

The coaching search starts at a critical juncture in the offseason, with free agents allowed to sign with new teams starting Nov. 20 and the expansion draft and NWSL Draft coming up this winter.

–Field Level Media