Racing v Red Stars Preview
Yes, that is a wheelbarrow race, and of course I was only able to get a picture and not video. You would think that after attending enough practices I would be ready to point a rectangle and hit “Record” when something funny or cool is about to happen, but obviously that wasn’t the case. I expect the team to post video at some point. The Racing staff, usually Julie Twaddle, almost always has a fun activity planned during the practices that are open to the media. I assume the team has a similar activity at every practice.
Tangentially relevant, Racing really has nothing to play for other than the enjoyment of the game. Last season, Racing turned in a few free-flowing and energetic performances in the last few matches of the season. This season I expect that the team may feel a little more pressure to win a few of their remaining matches, just to strive for some momentum to carry into next season. I asked Coach Björkegren if there was still pressure to win, or if the club could play a little more “relaxed”. He responded that there are both good and bad tendencies that come out when the pressure is off to some degree. Sometimes players become a little more aggressive in their attacking mentality and a neglect their defensive duties, but he has told the team to make sure they keep a good balance.
I have to think that Racing is going to claw its way to at least one more victory this year, and Chicago seems ripe for the picking. They are dangerously close to falling out of the top six and haven’t picked up points against any team in the top six since a 2-2 draw vs Kansas City on June 18th. Racing will be looking to avenge their opening match loss to the Red Stars on April 30th. Racing will more than likely see a squad with at least 3 or 4 changes compared to the squad that lost 2-1 in Chicago. Racing also has shown more tactical flexibility since playing Chicago on three occasions in a month’s time. Look for Wang to continue to cause problems for the opposition. She is a player that sees touches and passes that other players don’t. The Red Stars’ back 3 invites pressure that can be used to exploit their opposition on the counter, so watch for that. I don’t think Racing will roll out its back 3 to counter Chicago’s especially with Satara Murray suspended for Saturday.
The crowd on Saturday is expected to be a season high, and possibly an all-time attendance record for a Racing home match. The Red Star fans travel fairly well too, so there might be an extra bump in game day sales. If you want a t-shirt or poster, be sure to get there early.
