Racing nears 100 competitive goals
By my calculations, which are always subject to opinion and scrutiny, the next goal that Racing scores will be its 100th goal in a competitive match. Here is how I define “competitive match”: any NWSL competition including knockout competitions AND any other knockout competition with a trophy awarded to the winner. In a nutshell, the 99 goals so far include all NWSL goals (including own goals) and The Women’s Cup goals. Here are a few of my favorites (you can view then all here.)
The first goal
1. 04102021 ORL 5 C KIZER 12 H C
Cece Kizer scored the first ever goal and it was a fine one. Racing took a lead in its first match, and the possibilities were endless until they fell behind 1-2. Then…
The equalizer
2. 04102021 ORL 15 B HENDRIX 90+3 H C
Brooke Hendrix scored a dramatic late goal to even the score at 2-2 and rescue a point for Racing. It was an auspicious start for the NWSL in this city.
A hometown hero scores a great one
5. 05212021 WAS 13 E EKIC 76 H L
After winning this match, Racing was at the top of the table. Emina never did reach her full potential here, but this was a great moment.
Ebony Salmon’s terrific debut
7. 06202021 HOU 9 E SALMON 72 H L
Ebony scored some fine goals from Racing, but none finer than her debut goal. I broke it down at length here.
End to End
11. 07092021 ORL 9 E SALMON 21 A L
This is probably my personal favorite goal. I loved that the move started with Betos and the ball never seemed to stop until it found the back of the net.
Yuki scores in style
18. 08222021 BMF 17 Y NAGASATO 85 H C
It ended up not being the match winner, but it was vital in seeing the match go to penalties where Lund won it for Racing.
Old Sav’s great strike
22. 10062021 NCC 7 S MCCASKILL 24 A L
I bet most of you forgot about this one as it came in a 3-1 loss to the Courage. It’s still a great goal.
New Sav’s first
40. 05182022 SD 7 S DEMELO 27 H L
It was the first goal for Sav from a free kick. It wouldn’t be her last. It also proved to be the match winner and the only goal in a victory over San Diego.
A Beauty by Bonner
42. 061112022 AC 4 G BONNER 27 H L
On a great delivery from DeMelo, Bonner backheeled a goal into the net. Too bad it wasn’t enough as Racing fell at home to Angel City by 3 goals to 2.
Nadia’s brace
44. 06172022 WAS 10 N NADIM 66 A L
The first of Nadia’s two goals in a comeback draw against the Spirit was a fine give-and-go with Jess McDonald. It was the first time Racing got a point from a multi-goal deficit.
Alex dances on the line
49. 07292022 POR 27 A CHIDIAC 29 H L
Racing would ultimately fall in this match at home vs. Portland, but Alex Chidiac had her finest moment on the pitch for Louisville with this goal.
Jess wins 3 at the death
61. 10012022 KC14 MCDONALD 90+2 H L
It was the last minute of the season and Jess McDonald came through to send the fans home happy. Unfortunately, the Yates report followed a few days later and we weren’t allowed to bask in the glory of this goal for long.
Ary secures a point
63. 04012023 WAS BORGES 65 H L
It had been a very dreary day and home opener for Racing until Erceg scored from a corner. Then Borges equalizes with this fine strike.
DeMelo’s half volley
67. 04292023 OLR 7 DEMELO 45 H L
There have been some fine matches between the Reign and Racing. As usual this one ended in a draw but will be forever memorable thanks to this stunning goal by DeMelo.
Sav’s toe poke
81. 06152023 HOU 7 S DEMELO 45+6 H C
DeMelo scored once again with a fantastic toe poke from just outside of the box. Racing kept on cruising through the Challenge Cup group matches as result.
Paige blasts the back of the net
90. 07212023 CHI 5 P MONAGHAN 19 H C
Monaghan started and ended the move in style. She scored some other memorable ones, but this is my favorite.
Kgatlana helps Racing overcome the Thorns
93. 09022023 POR 11 T KGATLANA 64 H L
It seemed like it would never happen until it did, and Racing finally beat Portland. Thembi’s fine strike sealed the victory.
Davis makes the run
96. 10062023 ORL 22 K DAVIS 70 H L
For all of Kgatlana’s speed and ability, she often needed a willing runner to go with her and this time Davis obliged to draw Racing level with Orlando, and they would ultimately take all 3 points.
