Chicago v Louisville Pre Match Thoughts

It’s Louisville versus Chicago for the fourth time this season and the visiting team will be looking to make it 4 wins in a season against their hosts. Only 3 points will matter for either team, so hopefully we see an open and entertaining match.

Louisville was probably extra thankful for the international break, but neither Baggett nor Howell will be fit enough to make the match day squad. Pickett considers herself fully healthy, so that is welcome news. A few international players might be last minute calls to make the match day 18.

Everyone around the team is fully aware that it is 3 points or bust time. I don't get the sense that anyone is carrying any extra nervousness, but one would hope that they are carrying that extra little bit of intensity. A win in Chicago could really set off a late playoff push. Louisville has a history of playing well late in the season, but the playoffs haven't been in reach in the previous two campaigns. I will say that I am hopeful for a late push, but my observations to date don’t make me optimistic about getting 9 points from 3 matches.

In more positive news, the Lou City and Racing Foundation raised over $300,000 as a result of the Soccer Ball on Wednesday. It's always fun to see the players and coaches outside of the normal confines of the training ground and the stadium. I got to chat with Howell for a few minutes and tried to give her my jacket to wear for an upcoming player entrance. She politely declined and shared her plans to celebrate one of her favorite footballers at the upcoming home finale. Also, a player that will remain nameless was seen carrying out an unopened bottle of wine from the event. (Each table was provided a bottle of white and red, so plenty of wine was consumed and also left unconsuned.) Overall it was a fun night for a good cause.