By Kaelin Massey
Emina Ekic didn’t start Saturday’s Racing Louisville FC game, but she ended it with the type of moment befitting of her reputation as a hometown hero.
Inserted as a 66th-minute substitute, Ekic swung in a left-footed free kick from distance minutes after coming on to equalize in a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Red Stars, improving Racing to 1-1-3 in the NWSL Challenge Cup’s group stage.
“I’ll say that’s my sweet spot,” Ekic told reporters. “We practice that kick all the time, so I knew where it was going to go. I knew if I under-hit it or mishit it where my teammates would be so they could get the rebound. But I’ve practiced that shot like 100 times.”
“She can shoot. That shot was a rocket,” added coach Kim Björkegren. “She’s been working really hard up to this point of the season. I told her before the game that she wouldn’t start, but she is doing such a great job she almost deserves to start. So I took a chance, and she scored an amazing goal.”
Saturday’s shot doubled Ekic’s goal total since Racing selected her at No. 5 overall out of the University of Louisville in last year’s NWSL Draft.
The forward had an up-and-down rookie season that saw her score and assist in Racing’s first-ever win, a 2-0 victory on May 21, 2021, over the Washington Spirit. But Ekic wound up making three starts in all and didn’t crack the score sheet again.
Ekic credits Björkegren for renewed confidence to open her second pro campaign.
“He’s been giving me the freedom to do what I do on the attack and play how I play, but he’s been very critical and strict on me when it comes to defense,” she said. “I’ve been very open, and he’s been a really good teacher. I feel like I’ve been improving every week.”
Ekic starred at DuPont Manual High School, where she was named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, before going on to a highly successful college career with the Cardinals. With the Louisville native still just 22, teammates have seen her making strides of late.
“As a rookie, it is always hard because you have to adjust to the league and the tempo,” said midfielder Freja Olofsson. “It’s so different coming straight from college. But I think she’s been taking major steps, especially this season.
“I can see her defensive work is getting better and better in the game. Also, her confidence is growing. She is being more confident with the ball.”
Saturday’s goal bore similarities to Ekic’s first — another left-footed strike as she cut across into the box and curled a shot into the corner. Minutes later, Ekic also assisted Cece Kizer in that landmark win over the Spirit.
“When I look back on my rookie season, I say wow,” Ekic said. “I was a completely different person. When you are in the moment, you don’t really see your mistakes or where you are lacking.
“It’s just the experience, being in the environment and the speed of play, playing quicker, playing what you see, and trusting yourself.”
