RLFC v Bay FC -1

Win and they’re in…that’s the marching orders for Sunday. Despite multiple chances to take the drama out of the last day, Racing is leaving it as late as possible to secure its first ever playoff appearance. The opponent across the pitch will be Bay FC who will have nothing to play for except to ruin Louisville’s season. Bay has a lame duck head coach, and their form has been abysmal. You can throw all of that out the window because nothing sends bad teams home happier than ruining another team’s season.

Racing will be looking to get out to a fast start. In recent home matches Racing has not been able to turn dangerous early chances into goals. That will be the plan for Sunday. Bay will likely fold if Racing can jump on them early. That is easier said than done, however. The most important thing for Racing will be to stick to its principles and play with concentration and focus.

All of the things that Bev has had the team focus on this season will come together and decide if their fortunes. In her pre match interview Bev stated that “flexibility” was one of the areas of focus for the season, but that she didn’t picture the team needing to be this flexible. Arin Wright joked about not knowing who North Carolina was when asked if she was worried about them ruining Racing’s hopes. Racing should do us all a favor and let us keep our phones tucked away safely for this match.

I remained unconvinced that international form means much in club football, but in this case one would like to hope that Sears has a few more goals in her (although I am pretty sure that even Bay will put up more of a fight than the New Zealand international team did). It would be fitting if it is Sears that carries Racing to the playoffs. She has been the best offensive player for Racing this season and Racing have to score to secure the playoffs on their own. Let’s hope the goals for Racing score early and often and turn the last few minutes into a party.