It was an interesting weekend in Louisville soccer, with Racing picking up their first-ever road points in the NWSL, while the second of four LIPAs FC* was exciting and frustrating all at the same time. Before we dig in, I highly recommend you check out Benton Newman’s quarter-season analysis of some interesting statistical trends for Louisville City and the USL Championship over at Vamos Morados, as well as his outlook on the anticipated connection between the LouCity Academy and the first team in the coming years. Benton’s crushing it, and he deserves your clicks!
*Yes, I know that doesn’t work
Busy week for Racing nets three points and a ton of potential
I know “potential” is kind of a byword for a lot of my Racing takes these days, but I think this past weeks’ games kind of exemplify exactly what I mean when I say that Racing’s ceiling is a lot higher than we think. Yes, the ladies in lavender got blanked 3-0 at home on Wednesday night against North Carolina, who now own a +8 goal difference against us. However, a few positives: first, it wasn’t 5-0; second, there were glimpses of some offensive punch in the second half, especially once Ebony Salmon hit the field; and third, Racing’s rotated lineup meant Holly’s first-choice bunch would be better rested for Saturday’s game against Chicago.
Yes, Racing’s defense let Michelle Betos get absolutely shelled again, but at least they kept it under 20 shots this time. They also gave up just six shots in the second half, which really is an improvement. Salmon’s substitute appearance resulted in some chances to score and actual offense against what is one of the better defenses in the entire league. Jorian Baucom had a couple of good looks after the second whistle, too, though she really wasn’t able to offer much of a threat in her first start for Racing.
It was interesting, though, to see what Sinclaire Miramontez and Cheyna Matthews offered in midfield, even though it wasn’t quite as much as I’d hoped. It was also great to see Addy Merrick finally get some minutes for the first team, as I think she’s got the chance to be a much more influential player as she regains her game fitness. Emily Fox’s sub spot in the midfield was also interesting, as she definitely had an impact on the game playing higher up the field with protection behind her.
North Carolina ended their weekend in second place, where I’d argue they probably belong. They’re a group to aspire to and hopefully surpass. But did y’all see the league try and nickname Racing’s home ground “Lynn WILLIAMS Family Stadium” after her first-half brace? THE DISRESPECT. IT’S DEFINITELY FUNNY, BUT THE DISRESPECT!
Racing’s fortunes were quickly reversed on Saturday in their first ever contest against Chicago Red Stars at Seat Geek Stadium. After a two-hour rain delay, Racing weathered the storm to put together their most complete performance of their existence. Salmon got her first-ever start for Racing at the No. 9 position, and was supported by a rotating attacking midfield made up of Yuki Nagasato, Lauren Milliet, and CeCe Kizer’s black eye. McCaskill and Olofsson held down the central midfield, while Gemma Bonner reappeared in central defense with Nealy Martin.
The revamped attacking lineup reaped benefits. Racing looked dangerous with the ball going forward, swampy field and all, and Savannah McCaskill nearly put the guests in front early in the match. Red Stars regrouped and put together some dangerous balls of their own that were denied thanks to Wonder Woman (Michelle Betos) and the crossbar. However, it would be wunderkind Ebony Salmon that put Racing on the board first when she got free on a through ball from CeCe Kizer and put a ponderous shot past an unsteady Alyssa Naeher.
The second half was a bit more one-way traffic, thanks in large part to a second yellow card that saw off Danielle Colaprico and gave Racing a woman advantage the rest of the match. Racing immediately capitalized on the ensuing play when Yuki Nagasato converted McCaskill’s free kick to finally open her account for Racing. McCaskill also made her way onto the score sheet about six minutes later when she polished off a Lauren Milliet cross to the back post.
Gemma Bonner was again immense in the back for Racing, who were also able to put together some encouraging spells of possession in midfield in the game. Racing actually had 50% of the ball for the first time all season. Chicago still had 17 shots, but just three were on goal and Betos took care of each of them.
I don’t know if this match represented a turning point for Racing, but I was really encouraged by the offensive realignment. It seemingly allowed McCaskill to stay at home a bit more in the middle of the park and give Louisville some control over the ball and thus the game. I’d like to see that some more in the upcoming matches, please and thank you.
The win puts Racing sixth in the table. They’ll get a home game against Portland Thorns on Saturday, and a chance to right some wrongs up in the PNW from a few weeks ago. RUN WITH US!
Is LIPAFC finally turning into a rivalry?
This game was kind of drunk, but in a fun way. I won’t do a full-scale recap of how it went, as Benton Newman did a great job of that on his own earlier this week. I will say that I’m frustrated that City wasn’t able to win yet another game against Indy where the xG disparity was tilted wayyy in the purple direction. At least this time it wasn’t due to a lack of goals? And I’d argue City should’ve scored at least one more in the second half.
The problem in this game wasn’t offense, it was sloppy defending in the first half. Obviously the second half was much improved, and it appears that’s down to the halftime substitution of Pat McMahon for Akil Watts, among a few other tactical changes in the back. City can’t afford to give away cheap goals, but that’s what they’ve been doing most of the season so far. It’s all correctable, but it’s also a lot of the same kinds of mistakes every game that the opposition nearly always punishes with a goal the other way.
Indy, of course, needed a shot in the arm. They’ve been a bit rudderless all season, and that was before Martin Rennie left town. They’ve also struggled to be a real rival in this series, and the last two results at LFS will go a long way to charging that battery again. Four points away to your biggest competition is great for Indy and bad for Morados. Cruz y su banda will need to work hard to rectify that deficit at the Mike later this season. Hopefully the loss and the draw don’t spell trouble later on in terms of playoff seeding.
