By Christine Espinoza
Racing’s Interim Coach Mario Sanchez insists that team is not concerned about being postseason spoilers saying “We’ve never talked about it at all, which I love because this is about us..It’s always about us.” However, it can be about both. It can be about them and their resiliency to come back from behind and win a game and make another a draw; yet appreciate how one of those games eliminated Orlando Pride from play off contention and now Gotham may be, at best, delayed from play off contention. As someone who writes on Racing games, credit must be given to their determination to play good games and continue to improve. To see it pay off and stun not only the teams they play but the predictions of many who expected other results must also feel good.
The game initially started with Gotham having a well-coordinated possession of the ball. This would quickly have results as Ifeoma Onumonu would capitalize on a dribble from Carli Lloyd at the 7th minute to put Gotham in the lead.
Racing’s defense and goalkeeper Katie Lund gave Gotham a difficult time in deflecting 19 shots, especially 7 on target throughout the game. This tight defense especially frustrated Gotham in the second half after Katie McClure swiftly passed a ball to Cece Kizer who equalized at the 52nd minute. Considering Gotham’s need for a win, the game descended into a bit of chaotic plays by Gotham while Racing went on strong defense mode with Cheyna Matthews attempting to get a second goal, only to be deflected.
When thinking about the game and Racing’s future Cece Kizer stated “I think it is a testament to our resilience. I think that is something that a lot of us talked about in the locker room, and that we want to have that identity of being a resilient team.”
“We know we can counter quickly and get balls in the back of the net and so I think we need to continue that mindset into the Sunday game and into the next season.”
Racing will again play Gotham on Sunday, October 31st.