KC NWSL v Racing Preview
Courtesy EM Dash Photography
These two teams faced each other about two and a half weeks ago, so I don’t think much has changed other than this match being in KC vs. Louisville. In a nutshell, KC is the worst team in the league by quite a distance. For a comparison, Racing are closer to 3rd place Washington (6 points) than they are to last place KC (9 points). The key to this match will be for Racing to put on a calm, professional performance and leave KC with 3 points. That should be the expectation at this point. If Racing can take care of business, they will enter the weekend at 19 points and be within striking distance of a playoff spot. In my opinion other than Portland and North Carolina, no other team can feel safe about securing a playoff spot. It's basically a 7 team race for 4 spots. I was just about ready to write off Racing at the end of July, but now I think they have a shot. It's probably the least likely of the 7 to ultimately make the playoffs, but the team has to be brimming with confidence.
That is why this match is probably the most important match of the league season so far. A draw or a loss won't eliminate Racing from the playoff picture, but winning a match like this where you are the favorite is key to the growth of the club. Prior to this match I didn't feel like any outcome would have been a disaster. Anything other than 3 points here still may not qualify as a disaster, but it would be close.
Racing should be somewhat rested. I think Betos should be good based on media reports and the brief interaction I had with her on Saturday while she was toting a toddler around the field following her trophy lift. I think the fact that Nadia Nadim was on the bench means that she should be available, but that will depend on how her hamstring feels during warm up on Wednesday evening. Other than that, I expect the injury report to be the same as it has been. Hendrix could be on there, but was fine after the match according to her comments to me. One of the nice things that players do is stick around to sign autographs after matches. One of the hazards of this is me asking questions after they sign a few items. However, I generally only ask about how they are feeling. I didn't want to mislead anyone into thinking that I have any extra access other than the access that my seats provide. I am usually too busy during the week with work or busy writing players ratings after the match to engage in any proper media outlets that Racing provides. Full disclosure: I did get invited to the reception the Racing hosted for the Women's Cup, but I mostlly just talked to fellow content creators there, bar a quick picture with Gorp and a chat with Christy Holly about Arsenal. All of this to say that I don't get any extra insight or access into the club than any other fan could get. I’m just pushy enough to politely ask questions to players in hopes of getting a response.
Prediction time: Last time Racing played KC I predicted a Racing loss. I was blissfully incorrect. I don't believe in superstitions or jinxes so I’m going to say 2-1 to Racing with KC scoring a late goal to make the last few minutes a little nervous.
