Credit Racing Louisville
By Marilia Macedo
After the scoreless draw in the first game of the regular season, Betos, Ekic, and Kizer helped Racing Louisville to reach not only three important points but also the club’s first-ever win.
On May 21, the 6,011 fans could attend a great game at Lynn Family Stadium between Racing Louisville – the home team, and Washington Spirits.
The first half started with a good play for the Washington team when the unstoppable Trinity Rodman received a great pass on the right side of the field from Ashley Sanchez. She ran through the area and, with a right-foot kick, forced the keeper Michelle Betos to palm the ball away. Yokoyama took the rebound but was blocked by Brooke Hendrix.
The visitors kept trying to take the lead with Sanchez and Takarada – they were both stopped by Betos.
Washington’s keeper Aubrey Bledsoe also made a great save after Fox attempted a dangerous shot from outside the box.
In the second half, Christy Holly chose Emina Ekic, who came off the bench and changed the game. In minute 76’, she broke into the area, dribbled through the defense, and opened the score with a perfect-placed shot with her left foot, 1-0.
It was a matter of time for them to double the score. Five minutes later, after a fast break, Ekic found her teammate Cece Kizer clear, and she right-footed with precision into the net, giving no chance to the keeper, 2-0.
Washington’s Rodman tried to reduce the score from outside the box, but the ball hit the post. The visitors also had chances with Jacobs. However, Betos – the Woman of the Match – kept a clean sheet to claim their first-ever victory in the NWSL.
Racing’s next game will be against North Carolina Courage on May 28 at 7 pm ET, and Washington Spirits will face Houston Dash on May 26 at 7:30 pm ET.