Racing v Royals Pre Match Thoughts
Racing will host its first “Thunder Over Louisville” match this weekend against the new version of the Utah Royals. It will be a rather unique match on Saturday, and I don't think anyone really knows what to expect. I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of fireworks unless I am setting them off myself. Let’s just say that I am probably fortunate to only have had temporary hearing loss from my earlier adventures with explosions. All of that to say that I have never attended “Thunder” in person. Therefore, I have to rely on other people’s experiences to let me know what to expect. Everyone I have talked to expects the air show to continue into game time, so I guess let’s go with that. If that ends up being the case, it will be interesting to see if fans (and players) can keep their eyes on the pitch at all times. It’s already projected to be a record crowd, and I hope that Racing’s puts on an entertaining enough display to win over some new converts.
On the pitch, this is a match that Racing needs to win. Utah being an expansion team on the road, should be vulnerable especially with the added distractions. Ary Borges put in the type of cameo in the last match that makes you think that she may be up for a start in this match. Racing should also focus on trying to improve its possession in this match. Regardless of how much possession that Racing has managed, too much of it has been frantic and disjointed. This could be an opportunity to start to get things right in the attacking third with possession. This will hopefully be the second match in a row with a Howell/Flint/DeMelo midfield, so I think we can expect some improvement there.
In her press conferences, Bev Yanez has been really positive in her comments about the team. I expect that to continue regardless of the outcome on Saturday, but this team needs 3 points in order to start getting some momentum. I think it’s fair to point out that a team doesn’t even have to be league average in points production to make the playoffs this season, so just making the playoffs won’t be seen as much progress in my eyes. Racing has played well enough in spells to make the top-four their collective goal. I think when we get about 10 games into the season, we will see how close they are to that goal. The immediate goal for this match should be to jump out to a lead and put the Royals away early. However, matches in this league have the tendency to surprise you.
Paige Monaghan returns to Louisville, and I hope she gets a warm welcome during the lineup announcements. She was a bright spot on the team last season, and I know that the team hated to lose her. After the whistle blows, Racing needs to make sure to lock her down and not let her turn into another Savannah McCaskill, who seems to relish scoring against her old team. Paige has the added bonus of scoring on Racing before she joined Big Purp, so I am sure she will be extra incented to do so again.
