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A performance by American Idol winner Chayce Beckham will cap The Women’s Cup, an inaugural tournament bringing international powers FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to Louisville.

Beckham will sing the national anthem Aug. 21 at Lynn Family Stadium prior to The Women’s Cup’s final. After the game, he’ll host a concert at the popup Fan Fest steps from the stadium at 1101 E. Washington Street — in the heart of Butchertown across from Play Dance Bar.

Admission to Saturday’s Fan Fest, presented by Jack Daniel’s with support from El Jimador and Phocus, is available for just $10 at twcfanfest2021.eventbrite.com. The event will finish a week full of high-profile soccer and entertainment, with tickets to the games also available at thewomenscup.world.

The Women’s Cup officially kicks off Wednesday at Lynn Family Stadium when European champions Bayern and PSG clash at 5 p.m. before National Women’s Soccer League members Racing Louisville FC and the Chicago Red Stars play the second half of a doubleheader at 7:30 p.m.

The focus shifts from there to “Whiskey Alley” along Washington Street between 1st and 2nd streets. The road will close from 7-10 p.m. Thursday and 7-11 p.m. Friday for a free gathering including food, drinks and music in celebration of The Women’s Cup.

Saturday concludes The Women’s Cup with the third-place game at 3 p.m. before the final at 6 p.m. The Fan Fest follows the games in Butchertown featuring Beckham, a country singer-songwriter who in May won Season 19 of American Idol, the long-running competition series now airing on ABC.

Beckham performed his hit song, “23,” on the show, after which it reached No. 1 on the iTunes chart and has been released as a single.

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.

Savannah McCaskill served up a pair of assists, Nadia Nadim and Cheyna Matthews scored their first club goals, and Racing Louisville FC got back into the win column Sunday at the midpoint of its inaugural season.

The lades in lavender posted a 3-1 victory over fellow NWSL expansion side Kansas City in front of 5,843 fans on a steamy afternoon at Lynn Family Stadium.

The result — which improved Racing to 4-6-2 — also bumped the club’s points total to 14. That’s on pace to eclipse the Orlando Pride’s 19 from 2016 as the most for an expansion team in the NWSL. As it stands, the total is also only four points from the playoff cut line.

“Very proud of the girls,” said Racing head coach Christy Holly. “Middle of the day kickoff, which makes it very difficult, but 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. We just lost Gemma (Bonner) with stitches, 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.

“They deserve so much credit for the way they approached it, managed it and overcame it.”

McCaskill was crucial in the win with end-to-end play. In the 42nd minute, she crossed from wide left for a one-touch goal by Ebony Salmon. McCaskill did it again in the 55th minute, this time from the right side leading to a Nadim header and goal.

Matthews — a mother of two, with her second son born in December — nearly opened her account in the 69th minute seconds after subbing on with a steal and laser of a shot just wide. In the 86th minute, she finished the job, turning Kansas City over again, juking out the opposing goalkeeper and walking in a goal.

“Being out here, especially coming back after having kids, is all very much a blessing that I look forward to everyday,” Matthews said.

Michelle Betos preserved the lead in the game’s waning moments with a pair of leaping stoppage-time saves, just two of her eight on the afternoon.

Racing was efficient, converting on all three of its shots on target. The ladies in lavender also controlled more of the ball with 53.7% of possession held. McCaskill attempted half of Louisville’s 16 crosses.

Sunday’s game opened Racing’s busiest month of the season consisting of five games — four in NWSL play and another in The Women’s Cup, the four-team tournament Aug. 18-21 at Lynn Family Stadium including FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

“I think this is a really talented group,” Nadim said. “One thing that has stood out to me so far is the heart and the desire to work and to improve, which i appreciate. I don’t want to be a part of a team that’s filled with prima donnas and ones that expect world championships before the game is even played.

“I want to be on a team where you grind, you build and you get better. I love to be in this kind of environment because that’s how my mindset is. It’s a new team, it’s going to take time to be where we want to be and I think we’re on our way slowly.

“I think we’re starting to be more dominating in the game with the ball. Decision making is getting better and now we just have to start adding up the last 5, 10% that I know we’re capable of and after that it’s going to be good.”

Before The Women’s Cup opens, Racing travels to play NJ/NY Gotham FC at 5 p.m. next Sunday.

Game Summary: Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City

Venue: Lynn Family Stadium

Kickoff: 3 p.m.

Player of the Match: Nadia Nadim

Attendance: 5,843

Scoring

Racing Louisville (1, 2, 3)

Washington Spirit (1, 0, 1)

Goals

Racing Louisville: Salmon 43’

Kansas City: Jenkins 45+9’

Racing Louisville: Nadim 55’

Racing Louisville: Matthews 86’

Stats Summary: Racing Louisville / Kansas City

Shots: 12 / 14

Shots on Goal: 3 / 9

Fouls: 16 / 11

Offside: 2 / 4

Corner Kicks: 3 / 4

Saves: 8 / 0

Lineups

Racing Louisville: 1 – Michelle Betos, 18 – Kaleigh Riehl, 4 – Gemma Bonner, 3 – Erin Simon, 11 – Emily Fox (69’ 16 – Julia Ashley), 5 – Cece Kizer (88’ 2 – Lauren Milliet), 17 – Yuki Nagasato (83’ 19 – Taylor Otto), 7 – Savannah McCaskill, 8 – Freja Olofsson, 9 – Ebony Salmon (69’ 20 – Cheyna Matthews), 10 – Nadia Nadim (88’ 22 – Katie McClure)

Subs not used: 23 – Katie Lund, 12 – Sinclaire Miramontez, 13 – Emina Ekic, 14 – Nealy Martin

Kansas City: 98 – Katelyn Rowland, 23 – Kiara Pickett, 20 – Mallory Weber (76’ 6 – Katie Bowen), 3 – Kristen Edmonds, 2 – Rachel Corsie, 99 – Victoria Pickett, 9 – Lo’eau LaBonta (76’ 28 – Addie McCain), 14 – Gaby Vincent (63’ 26 – Jordyn Listro), 25 – Kristen Hamilton, 13 – Darian Jenkins (76’ 21 – Mariana Larroquette), 4 – Hallie Mace (61’ 77 – Jessica Silva)

Subs not used: 1 – Abby Smith, 15 Michele Vasconcelos, 29 – Kate Del Fava, 7 – Elizabeth Ball 

Discipline Summary

Racing Louisville: Nadim 22’ (yellow)

Racing Louisville: Fox 35’ (yellow)

Racing Louisville: McCaskill 38’ (yellow)

Kansas City: Pickett 45+1’ (yellow)

Kansas City: LaBonta 63’ (yellow)

Kansas City: Silva 82’ (yellow)

Racing Louisville: Matthews 90’ (yellow)

Referee: Danielle Chesky

Racing Louisville FC kicks off the busiest month of its inaugural season Sunday looking for some momentum. And perhaps a matchup with fellow NWSL expansion side Kansas City could do the trick.

Louisville will play five games — four in NWSL competitions, plus either FC Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain as part of The Women’s Cup — all this month. While Racing has statistically improved in recent weeks, the ladies in lavender are looking to get over the top and earn some points.

The club had one of its best statistical outings last weekend in Tacoma, Wash., dropping a 2-0 result to OL Reign in a game where it out-shot and out-possessed a quality opponent. But a pair of first half defensive breakdowns led to goals.

Racing enters Sunday at 3-6-2, ninth on the NWSL table.

Kansas City, meanwhile, is still looking for its first victory since the former Utah Royals moved locations this season. A recent trade with the NC Courage sent captain Amy Rodriguez to North Carolina in exchange for goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland along with forwards Hailie Mace and Kristen Hamilton.

KC is 0-8-4, with one of those draws the May 15 season opener also at Lynn Family Stadium when the visitors played Racing to a scoreless draw.

Kansas City has added offensive pieces via the trade, and Racing has bolstered its attack with signings since then such as forwards Ebony Salmon and Nadia Nadim. With both sides looking for a breakthrough moment, kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Sunday.

Here’s more of what to watch for…

Coach Christy Holly says…

“They are a big threat going forward. They have some good experience at the back. For us, it is the same as every game. We have to come in and set the tempo of how we want to play. Regardless of where a team sits in the NWSL, there is no such thing as an easy game. We have to focus on the little details that have been skipping us in the game.”

“You can see the energy around the team. The players want to work. That is something we are very pleased about. We are pleased about the application and growth that they have shown individually and collectively. The fact we are able to go into these games and impose ourselves is something we are very excited about. That is a testament to the work that these players have done since February 1. We will not become consumed by the results of these games. We will not become consumed by the outcome.”

Follow along

For Starting XI and in-game updates, follow @RacingLouFC on Twitter and Racing Louisville FC on Facebook. Also find us at @racinglouisvillefc on Instagram.

Watch the match on Paramount+ with play by play from Matt Pedersen and color commentary by Marion Cole. Internationally, fans can also stream the match on Twitch. 

Notes to know

By the numbers: A goal has been key for Racing. If Louisville gets at least one, the club is 3-0-1. But the ladies in lavender are 0-6-1 in games when they haven’t scored. All three victories have come in shutout performances, with the draw when scoring a 1-1 result July 9 against Orlando when the Pride equalized in stoppage time.

Expansion success: As Racing approaches the midpoint of its first season, the club is on track to finish with the best record of any expansion club in NWSL history. Louisville has tallied 11 points with 13 games to go. Orlando, which joined the NWSL in 2016, finished with 19 points, and the Houston Dash joined in 2014 to tally 18 points.

Kansas’ internationals: Of the 10 teams competing this year in the NWSL, Louisville and Kansas City are the only two without a U.S. Women’s National Team player missing during the Tokyo Olympics. However, Kansas City did see Katie Bowen (New Zealand), Chloe Logarzo (Australia) and gold medalist medalist Desiree Scott (Canada) competing for their respective countries.

Sister act: She hails from Lenexa, Kan., but Racing defender Sinclaire Miramontez has a deeper connection to Sunday’s foe than that. Her older sister, Sydney, is also a professional defender for Kansas City. The Miramontez siblings are one of two sets of sisters actively playing in the NWSL along with Sam (Courage) and Kristie Mewis (Dash).

From the Sunflower State: While no members of Racing’s roster have played professionally for Kansas City, two other than Miramontez grew up in the area with defender Addisyn Merrick from Lee’s Summit, Mo., and forward Cece Kizer from Overland, Park, Kan. Additionally, forward Katie McClure, who is from Wichita, Kan., attended the University of Kansas with Merrick.

Nadim’s ninety: Last weekend’s OL Reign game marked forward Nadia Nadim’s first start for Racing. She registered four shots and a game-leading four key passes, including the closest scoring opportunity for the new club on a 51st-minute header flicked just wide of the post. The international star Nadim arrived in July after winning a title with PSG.

Lineup rotation: Through Racing’s first 11 matches, its lineup has changed seven times, seeing 19 different players start at least once. Three players — goalkeeper Michelle Betos, defender Erin Simon and forward Savannah McCaskill — have started every game.

Trophy on the line: After Sunday’s game, the next time Racing plays at home on Aug. 18, the club will be competing for hardware. The Chicago Red Stars, Bayern and PSG will converge on Louisville for The Women’s Cup, a first-year event that consists of four games concluding Aug. 21 at Lynn Family Stadium. Visit thewomenscup.world for tickets and more information.

Injury report

• Katie Lund (questionable)
• Addisyn Merrick (out)
• Katie McClure (questionable)
• Ebony Salmon (questionable)

Milestone watch

Michelle Betos is one shutout away from her 15th NWSL regular season clean sheet and would be one of seven players to earn that stat. 

Freja Olofsson is one appearance from her 85th as a professional.

Nadia Nadim is two goals from her 30th in NWSL regular season play.

Racing Louisville FC has waived Noelle Higginson, it was announced Friday, as the midfielder leaves to pursue a law degree this fall.

Already a Yale University graduate, Higginson is enrolling at New York University to continue her studies.

The New Orleans native earned her Racing contract out of a successful preseason trial but was limited once the season began due to injury.

Higginson — a 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee for her athletic performance, academic achievement, service, and leadership — arrived to Louisville having numbered 14 goals and 11 assists during her collegiate career.

“We want to thank Noelle for her commitment to the club,” said Racing coach Christy Holly. “She was important as we built the foundation of who we want to be in the NWSL. We’re delighted she’ll be able to purse her career, and we wish her all the best at law school.”

Throughout their lives, Sinclaire Miramontez and her older sister Sydney have followed parallel paths.

They played for the same youth club growing up in Lenexa, Kan. They suited up for the same high school team. Sinclaire even attended the University of Nebraska, where Sydney was a senior during her freshman year.

On Sunday, the defenders will finally converge on opposite sides of the ball when Sinclaire’s Racing Louisville FC hosts Sydney’s Kansas City NWSL squad at 3 p.m. inside Lynn Family Stadium.

Aside from Sam and Kristie Mewis, the Miramontez sisters are the only siblings currently competing in the NWSL and the fourth to ever do it. Sunday’s match will mark the first time they’ve competed against one another.

“I think that is such a cool moment that we will get to share,” Sinclaire said. “Even if neither of us gets to step on the field, the fact that we are both in this league together is such a special moment that we will always cherish with our family.”

Growing up, the siblings fell in love with soccer while playing in their backyard with their oldest sister, Sierra. In high school, the two were not only soccer teammates but also tennis partners. 

“But that didn’t end as well,” joked Sinclaire, who initially looked at schools other than Nebraska when thinking about college.

“When I was being recruited, that was a reason to not go,” she added. “I didn’t want to go and be Sydney’s younger sister. I wanted to go somewhere and make a name for myself. Then I got over that and thought how cool it would be to play with my sister in college.”

The duo started 22 games together at center back in 2016 as Nebraska went 11-6-5, earning an NCAA tournament berth.

After graduating, Sydney became a trialist with FC Kansas City. She eventually earned a professional contract.

“I was the proud little sister,” Sinclaire said. “I had seen how hard that she worked to get where she was. I was like, ‘That is exactly what I want to do.’” 

Four years later, Sinclaire found herself in exactly that position. After trialing with Racing for more than a month, the defender signed a pro deal in May and has made five appearances so far in lavender.

“For us, it is about being available and support systems for one another,” Sinclaire said of her sister. “This lifestyle is hard. There will be days when you have a bad practice and other days when you have an awesome practice and want to tell them about it.

“Sometimes it is easy to call someone who is in the same situation, but separate, someone who understands the demands of being a professional athlete but will also support you no matter what.”

Only a few of Sinclaire’s Racing teammates even knew that her sister was also on an NWSL roster.

“It is funny when they find out,” she said. “They’d say, ‘That’s so cool!’ And it is. It is awesome that we are both going through this experience in our own ways.”