Racing v Wave Preview

Look at that terrible jersey above. I had higher hopes based on the Wave’s color scheme, but that’s the NWSL for you.

Racing prepares for its first ever match vs. the San Diego Wave. Based on results in the Challenge Cup, Racing fans could be forgiven for at looking at this match a few weeks ago as a solid chance for 3 points, but recent trends paint a much darker picture for Racing’s hopes. First, let’s start with the San Diego side. Looking at the numbers from their 3 league matches so far, only their biggest critics would begrudge them from getting at least 5 points in those matches based purely on the statistics. In reality, they have all 9 and sit atop the league table. Alex Morgan does what she does which is score goals (albeit 3 of those coming from the penalty spot.) The Wave has conceded only one goal so far and they have real talent on defense. It is way too early to judge the class of this team, but there can be no denying that its form is excellent. On the Racing side, one hopes that they can field a full team. Losing 4 players in a day due to sickness is not a great sign, and who knows how many were exposed to illness. Hopefully those 4 players can recover to some degree, but the team stated “TBA” on its initial availability report on Tuesday, which isn’t good.

If Racing rolls out a similar lineup to the one on Saturday, the team will have a fighting chance, but Simon left that game with leg cramps and Racing finished the game with a back 3 comprised of primarily wing defenders. We really should be looking forward to the debuts of Holloway and Chidiac, but I’m pessimistic on any selection of players at this point based on anything other that their ability to take the field absent of illness. Racing have to release an availability report at some point prior to the match (possibly 24 hours prior to kick-off, but that is a guess), and we will know who is available at that point, but obviously that is subject to change as well. Watch my Twitter account for updates.