Racing v Gotham Pre Match Thoughts
Racing has never won three league matches in a row. Three times in its history, Racing has won two league matches in a row. Twice they followed it with a loss and the other time was at the end of the 2022 season. Breaking that streak will be a tall order tomorrow on Ali day at Lynn Family Stadium. The match is at noon on ESPN and is a good opportunity to showcase Racing and the city. However, Gotham are a good and physical team full of recognizable names.
On paper, the schedule lightens up a bit for Racing after this match, but I think any team relaxes at their own peril in this league. Regardless of Angel City’s and Reign’s current placement in the table, a trip to the west coast to play in LA on Wednesday and then Seattle on Sunday is a tall order. Any kind of result against Gotham would likely be a positive one.
Gotham poses nightmare matchups across the pitch, not only through their talent, but also through their willingness to switch things up between and during matches. Gotham rarely falls into a predictable pattern even if they do play in a recognizable style. They started slowly this season but have strung together some results against teams in the bottom half of the league. No apologies are necessary as the schedule is what it is.
Racing is ever so slowly getting back healthy, but I think they will go with the lineup they used in Chicago with Fischer being available after her suspension. Howell will surely be eager to get minutes, but I imagine the scoreline will dictate how many minutes she gets. Kirsten Wright could make the bench, but she will likely need some extended time during the summer break to find some form and some minutes.
Gotham got “Searsed” in New Jersey, so they might decide to pay a little extra attention to her in this match. If Bahr starts, this would be a good match for her to get a second goal. DeMelo is in fine form, so expect the physical Gotham players to foul her plenty. Racing has done a decent job of spreading the goals around, but if they are to pull this one out, someone other than a usual suspect may have to step up.
