Racing Louisville FC put on a dynamic performance Sunday at home against Kansas City, prevailing by a 3-1 score at Lynn Family Stadium.
A gorgeous 42nd-minute passing sequence including midfielder Savannah McCaskill, defender Emily Fox and winger Cece Kizer put Louisville on the board first once forward Ebony Salmon slotted home the low cross from McCaskill for her fourth goal in a Racing jersey.
The ladies in lavender held on to the lead and the momentum until a set piece in late first half stoppage time gave Kansas City the equalizer.
In the second half, Racing came out hungry, eager to avoid splitting the points.
“I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is going into the second half, there’s an opportunity for us to feel sorry for ourselves and fold,” head coach Christy Holly said. “We conceded a goal with the last kick of the first half, and for them to take it on board and respond the way they did is a testament to every single one in that locker room.”
Racing’s voracity and eagerness to set the tempo from there – with over 65% possession in the half’s opening 15 minutes – led to Nadia Nadim’s game-winning header. It was first goal for Louisville and 29th in her NWSL career.
Cheyna Matthews also opened her account Sunday, doubling the Racing lead in the 86th minute after intercepting a Kansas City throw and walking the ball into the back of the net.
Here’s what we learned…
Defense up to the task
In order to hold off Kansas City’s high-pressing attack, Racing’s back four needed to be solid. While they weren’t able to earn the clean sheet, veteran goalkeeper Michelle Betos came up big with five second-half saves to preserve the lead.
Erin Simon also stepped up in the back, leading the team in tackles and possession gained.
Center back Kaleigh Riehl, making her 10th appearance in lavender, led the team in both clearances and blocks.
The Louisville defense did well to limit the chances created and numbers involved in Kansas City’s offense, so that when they did find their way through, they weren’t able to capitalize and faced pressure moving the ball inside.
Outside backs dangerous moving forward
As displayed in last week’s match at OL Reign, Louisville’s outside backs are integral to creating chances and providing service in the attack. Both Fox and Simon were key to setting up Racing’s attackers, combining for 36 passes and five crosses in Kansas City’s half. In addition, Fox and Simon both had a key pass.
In the opening minutes of the match, Simon made her way up the right side, combining with Yuki Nagasato to play a ball through to Salmon, who was unable to get on the end of it. In the 26th minute, McCaskill played a great cross on the back post in to Fox, who was able to beat two defenders and play a low shot that was picked up by opposing keeper Katelyn Rowland.
In the lead up to Nadim’s game-winner, Simon once again got involved in the attacking third, taking advantage of the huge gaps on the right and drawing two defenders before playing McCaskill in the open space created by her run forward.
McCaskill’s sweet service keys goals
McCaskill was a key contributor to the dominant Louisville attack, registering assists on both Salmon and Nadim’s goals. She totaled three key passes and made eight crosses — half of Racing’s total and enough to match Kansas City’s entire team.
Proven to be a mainstay in chance creation in the Louisville attack, McCaskill is now tied with the league leaders with three assists. She also leads the team in assists and key passes per match.
With some of the league’s most dangerous finishers in front of her and freedom and space to create in the midfield, McCaskill is on track to have the most productive season of her NWSL career since entering the league in 2018.
