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Racing v Bay Pre Match Thoughts
Racing looks to get back on the winning side of things on Saturday at 4pm on ESPN against Bay FC. The Fill the Fam match has a mixed history, so it will be interesting to see how the team performs.
If the last couple of matches have reminded us of anything, it is that you should never tally your points before kick the ball. On paper, the matches in LA and Seattle seemed winnable (and they were theoretically) but Racing found themselves in early holes in both. It seems to me like they just don't have enough “something” to put in a 90 minutes where they can keep both their hearts and heads in the match. Like always, we have seen flashes of intensity and flashes of wisdom but never both for very long. The theme that continues to stick in my head is randomness. There very rarely seems to be a rhyme or reason to how much energy Racing is going to bring to the beginning of a match. The team is really at the mercy of the random nature of existence for the most part. One of the things that I have liked about this season is that the top 3 teams in the league have figured out how to avoid the general random nature of the NWSL that has plagued the last few seasons. KC, Orlando, and Washington have records where their wins greatly exceed their losses or draws. That indicates a desire to overcome the nature of chance and take matches to their opponents. Racing is still struggling in a state of existence in which the metaphorical direction of the wind is likely to determine the outcome most matches. There is a certain fragility to such an existence.
On Saturday we will get another pulse check to see if this city/region has enough love in its heart to support 2 professional soccer teams. With the attendance record that was set for the Thunder match, the Fill the Fam match this year has seemed a bit like an afterthought. I don't have any real inside info, but my gut tells me that the attendance for this match isn’t going to come close to the attendance for the Utah match and I would also guess that it is likely to be lower than the last two iterations of Fill the Fam. Other than the Utah match, the attendance has been in the 6000ish range. Louisville City is still averaging 10,000. The Kansas City Current appears to be selling out every single match in their new 11,500 seat stadium. I think 10,000 per match is Racing’s aspirational figure. I don’t think Racing’s attendance issues have a single root cause barrier and will therefore take a multi-year fix with mutliple solutions.
On the pitch, Racing is slowly getting some players who are closer to returning like Ary and Kanu, but they will be without Arin Wright and almost certainly Taylor Flint on Saturday. Kirsten Wright is now further away than she was just a few weeks ago. Ellie Jean will need to step up again and it's been a while since she's played a full 90 minutes in the League (July 9th, 2023 if you want to get really specific). Other than a couple of matches, Bay has been in contention for points just about every time they have taken the pitch. I expect them to perform much better than Utah did on their debut trip to Lynn Family Stadium.
Reign 1 Racing 1 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Racing stole a precious point, and remain in 8th place. Turner was the hero, and Howell showed her value to this team.
In my pre match piece I stated that we could learn something about this team if they didn't get all three points. For as good as the draw felt, I am not sure I learned much. I never doubted this team’s heart and grit. My questions have always been about their wisdom and poise. I feel pretty much the same way after this match. Racing is capable of producing moments of magic and frustrating ones too. Of all people, I was surprised that Arin Wright lost her head. In the world of VAR, I can't fathom carrying on contact into the box. It's something a player at some moment in the past might have had a chance of getting away with. Today…no shot. Getting sent off and having a penalty awarded is something that has come up as an opportunity for a rule change, as it is just about the most severe punishment in the game. However, the rules still call for both in this situation.
I really thought the match was over starting in about the 55th minute. Racing's levels dropped and truth be told, a good team would have finished off at least one of the several chances that the Reign had in the last 35 minutes. You have to give credit to Racing for continuing to fight when all appeared lost. This draw reminded me of what happened to Racing on their first ever visit to Orlando in 2021. That sucked. This felt much better.
Howell had a match. Racing has covered her absence fairly effectively, but this performance was a reminder of what this team can be with her in it. She had the freshest legs of all of the starters, and she ran the entire match. I don't think she plays 90 if things go to plan, but she subbed at centerback effectively until Jean came on for Flint (who is currently being evaluated for a head injury but is in stable condition). I questioned why Jean wasn't immediately put in and Bahr sacrificed, but ultimately patience by Bev was the correct decision. Howell won the header that led to Turner's goal. Her fight was one of the major reasons for the result.
Fischer looks much more effective in a substitute role. She managed to escape the match without a yellow card for once. I was a bit surprised to see DeMelo taken off, but it was 100% the right call. I think we all saw the formula for playing down a player that worked in the end (hold on until late and then go route 1, in this case a long set piece). DeMelo’s dribbling style isn’t really suited for route 1 football and nobody really wants to watch 90 minutes of it. Racing didn’t really go route 1 much and stuck to their game plan, but their passing became longer and more forward penetrating when Fischer came on. On this occasion, the substitute made tactical sense. I also wonder if Bev was looking to the Bay game when she made a sub. She was already going to be missing Arin Wright and possibly Flint. I think DeMelo’s being on 4 yellows could have had something to do with taking her off before the 60th minute. It was good load management regardless and it worked out for Racing.
Reign 1 Racing 1 Player Ratings
It's never good to go down to 10 players, but 5 minutes into your 2nd match in 5 days definitely isn't ideal. However, Racing stayed close enough to make the Reign pay.
Lund-7: Fantastic ball to start the equalizing goal. Made some good saves too.
Pickett-7: Extra points to the defenders who stayed on the pitch.
Erceg-7: Held things together with Jean.
Wright-3: Has to know to not to concede a penalty in that position especially that early.
Jean-7: Looked good enough to sub for the suspended Wright in the next match.
Milliet-7: Ran her legs off.
Flint-6: Had a nasty looking collision with Dickey and was rightfully subbed off afterwards.
Howell-8: Was really impressive in a 90 minutes that was probably not planned. Won the header from Lund on the equalizer.
DiGrande-6: Tough to evaluate her in a higher position due to Wright’s sending off.
DeMelo-5: Tried to dribble through trouble a few too many times for my liking.
Bahr-6: Was decent with limited touches.
Sears-6: Moved centrally a little more after Racing went down to 10.
Turner-8: Scored the heroic equalizer.
Reign v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
What more needs to be said other than Racing needs to win this match on Sunday? The Reign has earned just 2 points from its last six matches. They struggle to score consistently and average conceding 2 goals per match. Racing could have a physicality advantage too in that Racing lead the league in fouls per match at 12.6 and the Reign are near the bottom at 9.5. The question is: Will Racing step up?
When asked by Bekki on Friday about Racing’s slow starts, Bev didn’t really have an explanation. I don’t have one either, but Racing has let their opponents dictate the style of play at the start of matches and the start of halves on a fairly frequent basis. Earlier in the year it was the second half but recently it has been the first half. The most logical explanation is randomness. Racing is a “league-average” team putting in “league-average” performances. I think Racing’s average performance should be enough to take care of the Reign, but you never know.
What has stood at to me recently is that the player-to-player connections are not where they need to be. Racing is near the bottom of the league in passing accuracy and possession, but near the top in things like interceptions, tackles and possession won in the final third. In other words, Racing puts more value in winning the ball versus having it. I call that “eBay syndrome”. It is usually more fun getting something versus having it. If their transition attacks were more precise and effective, I wouldn’t be so against it as a plan. Racing definitely has the speed to execute the tactic, but I am not sure they have the requisite skills. I believe that good teams demonstrate control and precision, things that Racing lacks at the moment.
If Racing come away from Seattle with all three points, I am not sure we learn much of anything. If they don’t I think we learn quite a bit. I don’t see how Kayla Fischer starts again, but I’m not in charge. Bahr and Turner need to do more in the minutes they are given on Sunday. The defense has not been great in the last couple of matches, so I think we need to see improvement there as well.
Angel City 3 Racing 2 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Unable to string together two decent halves of football, Racing now finds themselves on a 2-match losing skid. For once, it was a sloppy defensive performance that let the team down. Racing has a short turnaround to try to get things right before facing the Seattle Reign.
Angel City got on the board fairly early with a goal that really only took one very good pass and one very good first-time touch in order to find the back of the net. While it is hard to fault a single Racing player here, I think it was Flint who likely was out of position on Curry which allowed her to perfectly split Wright and Erceg for Fuller to finish. The second Angel City goal really should have been dealt with better. It was a low ball that should have never been allowed to get into the position it did when Rodriguez finished it off. On the third, Angel City got some fortunate bounces, but Wright had the touch that set off the sequence leading to the goal. You won’t win many matches giving up 3 goals.
In the end, Angel City was simply more clinical than Racing. There were plenty of chances for Racing to get additional goals, but they couldn’t capitalize. A great save by Haracic on Erceg’s header was probably the best chance, but it certainly wasn’t the only one. DeMelo, Sears, and Bahr all could have done better with their opportunities.
Through 13 matches, I think we have a pretty clear picture of what Racing is. They are a playoff contender and nothing more. That will be considered progress if they manage to ultimately finish in the 7th or 8th spot. I can’t imagine a scenario where they could climb much higher. I could see the bottom falling out, but I don’t think that is very likely either. The team doesn’t yet seem capable of going on any extended run of good form. Flint commented after the match that mentality, or at least the mentality associated with starting better, was “something we’re struggling with.” Right now, this team just doesn’t’ seen capable of putting together a 90 minutes that I would call “mentally tough.” You don’t always need it, but the ability to demonstrate it sure would be nice to see.
How Kayla Fischer keeps finding her way into the lineup I just don’t get. She is obviously capable of some brilliant stuff. What she seems incapable of is not committing at least one dangerous foul per match. Right now, I don’t think she is offering enough to overcome the fact that she plays too out-of-control. I hope it doesn’t take a sending off for her to either get the message, or for Bev to find a calmer option. I liked Sears getting a 45-minute break, but Racing needs better wing options than Fischer at the moment.
Angel City 3 Racing 2 Player Ratings
A slow start and sloppier defending than usual doomed Racing to a loss in LA. Racing wad better in the second half but couldn't finish enough chances.
Lund-6: Her defense let her down.
Pickett-7: Scored to bring Racing level.
Erceg-5: The central defending duo has seen better matches.
Wright-5: The pair got caught in the wrong position more than once.
Milliet-6: Always looks better paired with Sears now.
Flint-8: Kept Racing in the match. I can't imagine where this team would be without her ball winning skills.
DiGrande-6: Put in a solid effort.
DeMelo-6: Couldn't find a finish and was lucky that a giveaway by over-dribbling too far up the pitch didn't end up costing a goal.
Fischer-5: Other teams have to scout her as one of the most reckless players in the league. Sears replaced her and was far superior.
Kanu-6: Back in the lineup but looked a half a step slow at times.
Bahr-6: “Won” the penalty but didn't do much other than miss a golden chance.
Angel City v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Image
Racing face another litmus test on the road on Wednesday in Los Angeles against Angel City. If Louisville is serious about something more than a top half finish, this is the type of match that they need to find a way to win.
Racing is still trying to find out who they are. They moved from 7th to 8th after the loss on Saturday, so by one definition that is pretty clearly “middling”. If you think of the league in 3 tiers (upper echelon/middle of the pack/cellar dwellers) Racing is pretty firmly in the middle of the pack tier. Angel City is arguably in that tier as well (only Seattle and Utah are teams that I feel completely comfortable saying are “cellar dwellers”). If Racing is to rebound against Angel City, it will take a more complete effort that they showed against Gotham. Racing definitely have it in them to win or lose both matches on this road trip, so focus and determination will likely be the deciding factors.
Forgetting which players are the nominal midfielders, Racing’s midfield has to be better than it showed against Gotham. Saturday reminded me of some of the circa 2022/2023 performances where Racing put up absolutely no fight while teams with good possession skills cut right through the middle third of the pitch like there were no Racing players there. I honestly think that lack of controlled possession in the middle third has been a 3 and a half year issue for Racing that shows no sign of changing. I know I have said it multiple times and in multiple ways on this space, but I just don't think Racing values control as much as other teams.
I don't often get to hung up on individual match statistics, but I do like to look at overall trends. FobMob does a player rating for each player in every match. While I don't particularly agree with their methodology completely, it is pretty good for an aggregate measure over time. Any automated player rating system is always going to prioritize stat padding and measurables, but there really isn't any other way to do an automated system. Racing's average player rating is 6.96 which puts them at 5th best in the league (essentially tied with 6th place Gotham) and they are closer to 1st place (7.09) than 7th (6.80). The teams above them are exactly who you would expect (Current, Spirit, Thorns and Pride). My takeaway is that Racing is still performing at a rate that is less than the sum of their parts (or at least less than their statistical parts). That to me indicates something systemic above lack of talent. It's still too early to read too much into this, but as long as Racing plays in the style they do (which I admit to being 100% biased against) I believe they will continue to be less than the sum of their parts. Gotham plays more to my style preference, so Racing’s loss stung a little less than a usual one because at least I got to see a system executed well (albeit for only 40-45 minutes).
While Angel City isn't nearly as good, they do like to control the ball as much as Gotham does. That typically means quite a bit of running for their opponents. With a short turn around it’s tough to imagine that Racing will set up much differently. On her media availability on Wednesday Bev was asked about load management, and that could be the key to how these next few matches go. This is the kind of stretch where you would like to rotate your fullbacks a bit or at least not give them 3 full 90s in 11 days. If Ellie Jean doesn’t see time during this stretch, I think it speaks volumes. I think the same goes for Motlhalo and Kurosaki as well. Howell is getting “healthy” at the right time, but there is no way she plays a full 90 in any of these matches without a deep inquiry (from me at least). Racing’s roster has felt on the thin side for a while, so they really don’t have anyone else to blame if they get overworked during this period.
Racing 0 Gotham 2 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy Connor Cunningham
Racing got a reality check in front of an ESPN audience on Saturday afternoon. I don’t think Racing played particularly poorly. I think Gotham are that much better than Louisville at this point in time. I think “mid-table” is about the proper assessment of Racing at the moment, and I think we should appreciate that it is a pretty good improvement for a first-year coach/system.
On the other hand, I don’t necessarily agree with Bev assessment that the little things are what separates Racing and the top teams in the league. Gotham came out and played about as good of a half as you can while staying in second gear. They never seemed rushed or bothered by Racing’s defensive setup or offensive attacks (bar a few early counters). I think it is crystal clear that Gotham values the football above all else. Very few of their passes went awry and frankly very few of them were very difficult to complete. Their spacing was quite excellent and pleasing to the eyes. When Racing did get on the ball, Gotham fought very hard to immediately get it back. For a large portion of the first half, Gotham had a near 75% to 25% possession advantage. Coach Yanez clearly has a plan, but I would rethink any plan that concedes that much of the possession. If you only take away one thing from this post, let it be this: Gotham is what a “good” team is supposed to look like. They made the match look so, so easy and frankly for them, it was. They play admirable, eye-catching football and you will never hear me complain when a team like that wins. The beautiful game is at its best when it is beautifully constructed and controlled. It was 3 points won and earned by the superior team.
Now, I don’t necessarily think that Racing set up incorrectly in this match. Gotham was always going to have more of the ball. Personally, I only ever felt like Racing had a chance to break through on the counter or through a mistake. Racing didn’t apply enough pressure at any point on the pitch in the first half. I don’t know whether to chalk that up to design, preparation, or effort, but Racing looked content to concede possession even after falling behind. In the second half, Racing had a slight chance to get back in the match as I thought Gotham came out flat. However, Milliet lost Stevens at the back post in the 53rd minute and Gotham hadn’t really even done anything in the second half that I would consider even mildly threatening. Good teams kind of get goals like this from time to time.
Racing gets to move on quickly, but I can’t stress enough that no trip to the west coast should be deemed “easy” no matter what your opponents’ records say. It will be a chance for them to respond and neither Angel City nor Seattle is near Gotham’s class. I believe Racing can take the match to both of those teams and get some points, but it won’t change my assessment of them at this point. Racing is not quite ready to control the match against the best of the best, but that isn’t really too concerning at this point in their development. I think they are about where they should be at this point, and I think if the coaches and players are honest with themselves this should be a pretty easy loss to shake off and move on from.
Racing 0 Gotham 2 Player Ratings
Gotham played well enough in the first 60 minutes to make the rest of the match redundant. The gulf in class was fairly evident so Racing now know where they stand.
Lund-6: Nothing really to do on either goal, but her distribution wasn't great again.
Pickett-6: Her delivery wasn't as good as it has been.
Erceg-6: Decent if unspectacular.
Wright-6: Ventured forward a few times but ultimately found herself out of position when she did.
Milliet-5: Lost Steven’s at the back post for Gotham's 2nd.
Flint-6: Picked up an early yellow but managed it well.
DiGrande-5: Gotham controlled the midfield too much for her to be rated any higher.
DeMelo-6: Fought hard, but few fought with her.
Fischer-5: Had too many giveaways especially in the first half.
Turner-5: Wasted a good attacking opportunity early in the second half with a poor pass toward Sears.
Sears-6: Produced a decent save from Berger on a good effort.
Racing v Gotham Pre Match Thoughts
Racing has never won three league matches in a row. Three times in its history, Racing has won two league matches in a row. Twice they followed it with a loss and the other time was at the end of the 2022 season. Breaking that streak will be a tall order tomorrow on Ali day at Lynn Family Stadium. The match is at noon on ESPN and is a good opportunity to showcase Racing and the city. However, Gotham are a good and physical team full of recognizable names.
On paper, the schedule lightens up a bit for Racing after this match, but I think any team relaxes at their own peril in this league. Regardless of Angel City’s and Reign’s current placement in the table, a trip to the west coast to play in LA on Wednesday and then Seattle on Sunday is a tall order. Any kind of result against Gotham would likely be a positive one.
Gotham poses nightmare matchups across the pitch, not only through their talent, but also through their willingness to switch things up between and during matches. Gotham rarely falls into a predictable pattern even if they do play in a recognizable style. They started slowly this season but have strung together some results against teams in the bottom half of the league. No apologies are necessary as the schedule is what it is.
Racing is ever so slowly getting back healthy, but I think they will go with the lineup they used in Chicago with Fischer being available after her suspension. Howell will surely be eager to get minutes, but I imagine the scoreline will dictate how many minutes she gets. Kirsten Wright could make the bench, but she will likely need some extended time during the summer break to find some form and some minutes.
Gotham got “Searsed” in New Jersey, so they might decide to pay a little extra attention to her in this match. If Bahr starts, this would be a good match for her to get a second goal. DeMelo is in fine form, so expect the physical Gotham players to foul her plenty. Racing has done a decent job of spreading the goals around, but if they are to pull this one out, someone other than a usual suspect may have to step up.
Racing 2 Dash 0 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy Elizabeth Shaw
In the end Racing handily took care of business at home after a rather lackluster first 45 minutes. DeMelo continued her terrific run of form and a let off from Houston in the 86th minute meant that Louisville could see out the last 10 minutes with relative ease.
As I mentioned prior to the match, sometimes the international break can lead to slow starts. Racing was actually pretty good for the first 10-12 minutes, but the rest of the first half was a rather dismal showing from both sides. Houston never really looked dangerous, but Racing wasn’t very sharp either. Those 45 minutes will now be relegated to the dustbin of history never to be spoken of again.
Racing is starting to have a look of a team that believes it is going to have a chance to win matches if they can avoid mistakes. Louisville felt like they were in control for large sections of the second half and didn’t let DeMelo’s goal change their mindset. After the goal, the Dash had a few more attacks, but Racing had just as many and looked to be pushing to extend the lead as much as defending it. This was one of the few times that I felt that they got that delicate balance right and obviously they caught Houston napping to wrap up the match.
I classify each goal for my Goal Pie Chart page and usually it isn’t too difficult. For example, the Sears goal from the last match was pretty simply “with sustained possession”. The two goals in this match were a little more difficult to classify. On the first, Racing started the sequence with possession then lost it to Houston, but a Dash player immediately gave it away. From there Racing possessed it for a few seconds before Kanu’s shot was saved by Campbell. DeMelo was obviously in the right place at the right time to finish it off. Since Houston never had their defensive shape back from the sloppy turnover, I classified it as an “in transition” goal, but there could be an argument made for a sustained possession goal. On Goins’ goal I kind of wish I had a classification for “defense was asleep” because that was some really sloppy defending as Parker waved her hand to signal how open she was, and no Dash defender was within 5 yards of her. Racing was so bad at being at the back post last season maybe teams just make a conscious effort not to defend it. Regardless, you won’t see an easier back post header all season.
Uchenna Kanu changed the match. Turner slid over to a more central role with Bahr out wide in this match. Bahr wasn’t terrible, but she doesn’t offer what Kanu does on the outside at least offensively. Kanu is a much more free-flowing player which means that from time-to-time she will find herself out of position defensively. When Bahr plays out wide, she pretty much stays out wide. She didn’t have a single touch in the middle third or right side of the pitch. It was a cunning decision to sub her off at half because Kanu plays so differently. Houston never adjusted so kudos to Coach Yanez on that decision.
Racing 2 Dash 0 Player Ratings
After a rather tame first half Racing found its footing and pretty much cruised after DeMelo’s opener. It was a good 3 points and now it is time to keep the momentum going.
Lund-6: Her goal kicks and free kicks were poorer than usual, but she was solid in goal.
Pickett-7: Moved centrally as an inverted left back several times and was effective.
Erceg-7: As solid as ever.
Wright-7: Ditto for Arin.
Milliet-8: Racing brutalized Houston down Lo's side.
Flint-7: Played a key role in killing off the match.
DiGrande-7: It is going to be tough for Howell to push her out of the line up.
DeMelo-8: Another goal and an assist for the ultra in-form midfielder.
Turner-6: Not nearly as involved as Racing attacked more effectively down the opposite side.
Bahr-6: Not nearly involved enough so she was subbed for Kanu at half.
Sears-7: Proved herself menacing again.
Kanu-7: She changed the match.
Goins-7: Finished off her header nicely.
Racing v Dash Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy Amber Lynch
Racing is back in action after an international break and play 6 matches in 31 days before taking an extended break this summer for our quadrennial collective ignoring of human rights abuses in order to celebrate sporting achievement. As for Houston (a hellscape of a different type in the summer), the city gives us the Dash who are marginally in the playoff picture with a recent uptick in form. This is the type of match that Racing has faced at this point of the season in the past where there is momentum to be sustained, but the team has never quite taken full advantage of the opportunity to put a really dominating stretch together. This season could be different, but it would likely take some much-needed returns of some key players. For pretty much all of the absentees, I am in the “believe it when I see it” camp when it comes to their availability and effectiveness.
The good news for Racing is that their most important player is in form at the moment, and that always increases your chances of winning. I always look at the first 15 minutes of a match after the international break as a chance to catch your opponent napping. Training is no match for game time and sometimes teams come out a little flat. Racing has been bitten by that bug in the past, but I think Coach Yanez has done a good job of getting the team ready to play from the first minute this season.
Despite the absences, I think Racing has somewhat settled into their temporary best XI. Flint has made the deepest midfield role hers and if/when Howell is fit, she might find herself playing further forward. There is absolutely no reason to swap Sears back out regardless of who else is available, so I think Bahr could really do herself some good by scoring a goal or two before Borges and KW are fit.
As the temperature increases, I have to think that it would be prudent to use Ellie Jean a bit more. She is capable at multiple positions, and I don’t want to see another season where the left back and right back are playing 90 minute matches all summer. Pokorny is nominally an option there too if Racing find themselves trailing. The fact is that Racing is shorthanded in defense, so a short-term signing isn’t out of the realm of possibility either.
Red Stars 0 Racing 1 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Sorry for the slight delay due to technical difficulties
Racing was able to enforce its will for the most part on Saturday evening and came away with all 3 points. On the night, Chicago proved to be the perfect opponent for Louisville to demonstrate the best version of themselves.
Sears did it again, and I think you have to say that she is Racing’s chief goal-scoring threat at the moment. I was excited to see her get minutes pretty much the moment I saw her in training camp. However, I don't think anyone forsaw her being this reliable this early. Being still so early this could just be a good run of form, but I don't think so. Racing's opponents will surely start to game plan more around her. She doesn’t restrict herself to strictly wing positions on the pitch and I personally think that someday she could become this team’s number 9. Nobody seems to favor a 4-4-2 anymore but I think she would be extra special in that formation. Hopefully she will be as good as she has been in whatever position she plays.
Racing looked good against Chicago, but I couldn't believe how much space the Red Stars were giving them especially in the first half. I wouldn't expect many other teams to willingly concede as much possession as Chicago did. I thought Chicago were poor and Racing surely forced some but not all of it.
DeMelo has had 3 really good matches in a row and even though she didn’t score I thought this one was even better than her last two. She did find herself in more space than she is used to, but I thought her on the ball decision making was much quicker and she seemed to make the right decision 80-90% of the time. It will be a shame if the international break disrupts her newly recovered form and rhythm.
Lund and the defense had a much easier time of it this week, but Katie was called into action a few times and had to be ready when she was. Chicago rarely plays like a team that is going to break you down offensively, so you must be ready for the quick strikes and Racing was.
Red Stars 0 Racing 1 Player Ratings
First: One-nil to the Racing! The team has to be extremely pleased with that performance. After the break they will look to extend their momentum.
Lund-7: Had a fantastic save in the 83rd minute after not having much to do prior to that.
Pickett-8: Other than playing Hocking onside unnecessarily in the 1st half had a pretty flawless match.
Erceg-8: As good as she typically is.
Wright-8: She had an excellent last ditch block on Hocking.
Milliet-8: Much better than her last couple of performances.
Flint-8: So good that is it now expected and she didn't disappoint.
DiGrande-7: Probably the quietest performance but good nonetheless.
DeMelo-9: Bossed it. She had about the best match you can have without a goal contribution.
Fischer-8: Sprightly! It was one of her best performances this season.
Sears-8: She was so composed on her goal and it was a deserved match winner.
Bahr-6: Had her best match since the opener.
Red Stars v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Racing look to extend some of momentum they gained with a last gasp point in Kansas City this Saturday in Chicago. The schedule will start to ease up after this match to some degree, but there are no easy matches in the NWSL. Racing will look to kick start a run of points with a good result against the Red Stars.
Both Chicago and Louisville are comfortable playing without the ball, but the Red Stars are REALLY comfortable conceding possession to their opponents. They have a league low 41.1% possession rate, which is sometimes indicative of getting early leads. However, in the Red Stars case they have scored first in only 4 of their matches. They did go on to win all of those (the Spirit, Thorns and Royals also have perfect records when scoring first). The Red Stars have also clawed out 4 points when they haven’t scored first which also puts them slightly above the league average. Their 16 points so far this season has them in a fairly comfortable playoff position. The less said about Racing’s numbers when scoring first the better. Racing also hasn’t won a point when conceding first (the two times is have happened).
Racing still has a bit of an injury problem, but I never like that as an excuse. Jae Howell was being evaluated at practice today, but the safe bet is that she will be listed on the injury report and won’t play. Until last season Howell had never dealt with what she considered to be a very serious injury. I think (but don’t know for sure) that her current issues probably extend back to last season’s injury. This is really starting to concern me. At the beginning of the season, I was glad that Racing brought in some midfield depth this season precisely because I was concerned about Jae’s availability. At no point do I feel like Jae has been rushed back too soon, but only she knows for sure. Regardless, this team needs to figure out how to play without her for extended periods of time because that has simply been the reality since last fall.
The duo of Wright and Erceg will likely need to be extra aware of Chicago’s counter attacking ability. Wright might have some inside info on how to play against Swanson, Hocking, and Schlegel who have 10 goals among them in this campaign. I really look forward to matches where neither team is particularly adept at maintaining possession because I think those matches tend to be pretty open as long as the scoreline is level. Houston and Louisville played an entertaining match earlier this season under similar circumstances and even though it ended 0-0 it was entertaining and full of chances.
Coach Yanez mentioned the dreaded “peaking” concept again in practice today. I don’t have much more patience for more non-peak performance. I am not a huge fan of quotes and proverbs, but this one resonates with me: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today. I will steal this and propose: The optimal time to be playing your best football is always. This next best option is starting now. Time has almost run out to drop any more points and have a realistic shot at the playoffs. I also tend to think that setting a target to make the playoffs is aiming low. The “top four” should now be the bare minimum goal for every team in this league.
Current 3 Racing 3 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
The narrative of this match would have been much different if Savannah DeMelo had not scored a very, very late equalizer. Now Racing needs to kick on and make it mean something.
The most encouraging part about last night was how Racing hung in and got a point against a lead-leading team that played a really solid match. Kansas City pressed hard to get all 3 points and Racing just wouldn't let them have them without a fight. This is definitely a point won and earned.
I can't overstate the importance of Savannah DeMelo playing up to her abilities, especially with the roster being so thin. There are absolutely things that drive me nuts sometimes about how she plays, but those are often the things that when she gets them right make her the player she is. She is a self-indentfied dribbler, and sometimes she over dribbles. However, she used this tendency to absolutely grab the game and snatch it away from the Current. This team will go as far as she carries them. That is a heavy burden, and we will see how long she can continue to carry it.
The defensive line is in danger of playing too many minutes. Racing cannot go through another season without rotating just a little bit at left back and right rack. Milliet has had a couple of sub par matches in a row and Pickett doesn't need to play every minute either. It's hard to make a defensive sub when you are trailing, so sometimes I think you just need to have a plan to do so regardless of score.
Sears put in her 2nd 90 minutes in a row and looked none the worse for wear. I think she may have secured her starting spot. Personally, I haven't seen enough from Bahr to think that Wright just doesn't walk straight into the team once fit. Racing played a player short in their squad due to a late scratch of Motlhalo. This is at least the second time this season that Racing fielded a short bench. I believe that they were both on the road, which can happen from time to time. However, with Pikkujämsä out for the season Racing probably do need to sign another player.
After the trip to Chicago, Racing has a run of matches with teams that are currently out of the top six. That should be a prime opportunity to close the gap that still exists between Racing and the playoff positions.
Current 3 Racing 3 Player Ratings
I’m not quite sure why the match was still going, but Racing get a late equalizer. Racing should count themselves lucky, but sometimes you would rather be lucky than good. Regardless, it's a fantastic point.
Lund-6: Got close on the penalty. I thought it was better from her.
Pickett-6: Struggled a bit defensively but was good in attack as always getting an assist.
Erceg-7: Not sure if her goal will stand to strict scrutiny but got the contact that caused it.
Wright-7: Solid effort from Arin.
Milliet-5: Lost possession in a dangerous position for the Current's 2nd and the 3rd deflected off of her.
Flint-7: Looked bound and determined to get a yellow and got one.
DiGrande-6: Does well as a backup, but Racing misses Howell.
DeMelo-7: Scored a classy equalizer at the death.
Fischer-5: Got caught on the ball for the penalty though it may not have been completely her fault.
Sears-7: There is absolutely no way she meant that goal but won’t care.
Bahr-5: I think it's time to ask why she is an automatic starter.
Turner-6: Produced a fine effort that Franch needed to save.
Current v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Sports Images
Louisville and Kansas City meet on Saturday evening with a 13-point gulf between them. The Current are at the top of the league and Racing finds itself in a familiar spot near the bottom of the table. This trip is an opportunity for Racing to turn heads or reinforce their league reputation as an also-ran.
For me, Kansas City’s performance this year encapsulates the most frustrating part of my four years of Racing fandom. The Current have seemed to turn things around in a rapid fashion. There is definitely an argument to be made that the Current way underperformed last year, and that hiring a big-name coach sped along their progress. That doesn’t necessarily make me feel any better about where Racing sit at this moment in time. I asked Bekki to pose the question on the latest Butchertown Rundown episode to assess where Tom and Kaitlyn (but unfortunately, we didn’t get to hear Bekki’s own take) stood on the scale of “Trust the Process” vs. “Law of Holes” scale. I would categorize their attitude as mostly in the “Trust the Process” category and I would have to agree with that for the most part. The concerning part for me was that the concept even popped into my head and neither Bekki, nor Kaitlyn, nor Tom thought it ridiculous enough to dismiss from the outset. I think Bev is doing a fine job. I think the attitude of the players is upbeat and correctly so. The piece that bothers me it that maybe I don’t have realistic expectations.
Frequent and long-term visitors to this site know where my soccer fandom was born and where my deepest loyalties lie. I am not going to rehash any of that, but it did get me thinking “this is what it must be like to be a Crystal Palace fan.” That club has a long, but not necessarily successful history. Their most recent teams have been prone to moments of absolute brilliance and have featured some very, very good players, but they never are consistently what I would classify as “good”. No sane person without of some kind of connection to South London would ever think it was a good idea to be a Palace supporter. Therefore, their club is characterized by fiercely loyal, but long-suffering fans who are mostly from South London. It you asked me to summarize what I thought their club identity was in a single sentence I would say this: It is a club that can be dangerous on their best day, but they are hardly ever going to threaten to win any kind of major trophy.
I don’t want that to become the identity of this club. However, lacking any other option, I would have to say that through what I have seen so far, my assessment of Crystal Palace kind of sums up this team too. Honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I will gladly attend every home game and write about every match they participate in. I just can’t imagine any scenario in the near future where this team wins a major honor. I hope someday very soon they prove me wrong. For me, proximity is the main reason I support this club. They really haven’t given me any other one yet.
With that huge bummer out of the way, I do have to say that the attitudes of the players and coaches in this club couldn’t be better, at least in public or in the media. They have had a rough start to the season that was somewhat masked by an undefeated run but have kept a positive attitude. However, this isn’t the Disney Channel, so that doesn’t always work. Another minor bummer…the team just can’t seem to get healthy. The news is as good as it can be on Borges, but even if an optimistic June timetable works out for her, she would likely head off to the Olympics with no real chance to find her form. Davis is participating in practice, but I do not believe she is near contact yet. Once she is fully fit, it will probably take at least a month for her to find some form. Coach Yanez has definitely not been dealt the best hand when it comes to injuries. In Racing Louisville’s pre-match media today, Bev shared this on the squad depth when I asked her if we had seen her best XI: “You have to have belief in the whole group because opportunities will present themselves and you need the confidence of those players to be able to step in and execute.” I think the squad has shown its depth and there really hasn’t been a huge drop-off. Maybe the results point to the tiniest bit of drop in quality (or the realization that you would have gotten a similar result with everyone available.)
I will stick with the bummer theme to hopefully get it out of my system. I am not a fan of the “peak at the right time mentality”. It implies to me that non-peak performance is acceptable at points. I think Racing missed huge opportunities at the beginning of the season to pad their point total. One would much rather experience a dip in form with some padding in the table when it comes to placement and points. Unfortunately, Racing didn’t take full advantage when they got leads and now the table is rather daunting. The playoffs are always going to be a crapshoot (Gotham had dreadful pre-playoff from last season) and 3 points in the first match count just the same as 3 points in the final match. Louisville might have dug themselves an early season hole too deep to escape. The good news is that there is still time to turn things around.
Let me say this about the mentality of “peaking”. I think it’s soft. I prefer the mentality of “constant and continuing excellence.” I realize the nobody starts there, but it’s the mentality that the top clubs in the world have. They can recover from dips in form because the can mentally picture success either through their own experiences or through the club’s history. The odd thing is that I would classify Lou City as having a true winner’s mentality. There are people in the combined Soccer Holdings group that clearly have it. I just wish they could bottle it and donate some of it to Racing. I hold out hope that Racing gets there, but as I frequently attest, I just haven’t seen evidence of it yet.
Racing 1 Spirit 2 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
While Racing fought hard in the second half to try to find an equalizer, the early mistakes doomed them and now there should be a real urgency to turn things around. The overall health of the team is concerning to me, but the players who are fit should be doing more to get results.
For the first time this season, I think Bev got things wrong. Coach Björkegren was constantly criticized (although not necessarily by me) for sticking too long with his starters. I think at least one of the following things are true: 1) while Racing are putting 9 players on the bench, not all of them are actually ready to go into a match, 2) Bev got caught up in the momentum of Racing’s first 15 of the second half and couldn't bring herself to pull some of the starters for subs, and/or 3) she made the correct decision to leave on the players she did, but it wasn't enough. I would have wagered heavily that there was no way that Howell or Clegg were getting on the pitch on Friday. After the match when she was asked about Kanu, she deflected the question to basically say that she was happy with the players on the pitch. I believe Pickett and Sears were gassed by the 85th minute and subbing in either Kanu or Goins for Sears and Pokorny for Pickett would have been prudent. Let's just say that in my opinion transparency with the media isn't one of Bev's top concerns, so oftentimes we are left to speculate on things. Personally, I think she got too caught up in the match and missed her window for subs. After the 80th minute passes, you start to worry if the subs you make can get up to match speed quickly enough to make a difference. I am starting to get a rather unpleasant feeling of déjà vu in that while there are nominally 20 players on the matchday squad, the number who are healthy AND trusted is much lower. Björkegren ran last year’s team into the ground by August because he didn’t trust his squad. At this rate, I think we could see a repeat if some players don't get back to full fitness soon.
Missed penalty aside, this was DeMelo’s most complete game in a long while. She was everywhere on the pitch, especially in the 2nd half. We all know that she is an excellent free kick taker, so seeing one go close and another go in shouldn't have surprised anyone. For me it was her on the ball movement that seemed to be back to her early season form from last season. She looked confident and controlled. Now, she is never going to be my top choice to take penalties. Her penalty in this match was pretty poor and it isn't the first time she has taken a bad one. Unfortunately, I don't have a suggestion for who should take over, and that is the real problem. If I am being honest, I thought the penalty was soft, so I won't dwell on the miss too much.
Lund has had some nervy moments and questionable decisions this year. Additionally, she has gone down for treatment at least of couple of times in matches. Whether it is a physical or mental issue with her, she definitely hasn’t been at the top of her game. She wasn’t at fault for the first goal and made a fine save just before the second one, but could have done better on the ball that Milliet inadvertently put in. She had a bizarre miskick in the first half that she just got away with, and she made a frankly terrible pass to Erceg in 2nd half stoppage time that I am still not sure why Ratcliffe didn’t at least attempt to put the ball into the empty net. Lund’s reputation is that she is supposed to be good with her feet, but this season she has over relied on them, and they have oftentimes let her down. Racing’s margin of error for victory isn’t big enough to overcome too many goalkeeping mistakes.
Speaking of mistakes, this match reminded me of error-prone days that I had hoped had passed. Off the top of my head, you had 2 bad touches from Lund, an own goal from Milliet, a missed penalty for DeMelo, but maybe the most egregious one was not marking Bethune on the corner from which she scored. DeMelo tried to close he down, but there is no way she should have been given that much space to begin with. DeMelo did better marking her on the next corner, but it makes me wonder if it was a missed assignment on the first one.