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Racing v Angel City Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy Elizabeth Shaw
Saturday is the annual “Pups at the Pitch” match for Racing and the team doesn’t have much room to “dog it” (audible howl). Every dog has its day (I’ll stop. I promise) and Racing needs to be a “lucky dog” (I lied) at this point to pull themselves back into the playoff race or find themselves in the doghouse with fans again.
That dog won’t hunt: Racing’s recent defensive efforts and structure while not bad might not be the way to go against Angel City. That team is full of one-on-one attacking specialists and Racing’s recent tendency (regardless of what the nominal formation is) has been to press the fullbacks into attack especially Milliet. Against Bay, Milliet found herself backpedaling to get into the right defensive position on the counter. Ultimately that didn’t result in a goal for Bay, but the opportunities were definitely there. Angel City likes to possess the ball, and Racing doesn’t typically fare well against the more possession-oriented teams. I expect Racing’s back line (including Milliet) to be a bit more reserved in their attacks. You definitely don’t want to be giving up too many counterattacking opportunities to Angel City.
New Dogs/Old Tricks: The recent additions to Racing’s roster brought immediate success, but not much afterwards. Arguably the performance against the Reign was good enough, but the Bay performance was pretty awful, especially in the second half. It’s an old refrain with me: I don’t necessarily think Racing isn’t good enough to win, but they aren’t really good enough to avoid the random nature of results in this league. I think Orlando completely changed their makeup and identity this season to shed some of the baggage that had been plaguing them since their inception. Racing swung big during the transfer window but after a few matches it still feels like the same old team. I warned that a Mal Swanson-less Red Stars would make pretty much any team look good. Since then, Racing played two matches where luck/randomness helped determine the outcome. The sun doesn’t shine on the same dog’s butt all the time, but Racing seems to have seen nary a sunbeam this season. However, it’s hard to justify consistently coming out on the wrong side of things as luck. I don’t know any other way to describe Racing’s circumstances other than they feel perpetually unlucky. Being who I am, I know that to be nonsense. Probabilities simply won’t allow such things. There has to be something causal that makes them feel so unlucky, but I can’t tell you what it is. The only thing I can point to is that maybe the players lack collective belief at this point, and I happen to think that such a lack of belief is contagious.
A bark worse than its bite: Listening to some of the Racing coaches’ and players’ soundbites this season, one would assume that Racing sits comfortably in the middle of the table. Even yesterday, there was a lack of urgency in their answers relating to this specific match. From the coaches’ and players’ perspective I am sure they mean to convey a lack of panic and honestly how gloomy can you be when you have spent the morning holding puppies. 840 WHAS’s Paul Miles asked both Yanez and Erceg about what it meant to play a team that is directly competing for a playoff spot. It was a question that I would have asked as well. The two-word phrase that I didn’t hear was “must-win”. I get why neither of them said it, but every match at this point could be an elimination match. You just might not know it until the end of the season. All season we have heard encouraging words from Bev and positive responses from the players. They talk a good game, but the play on the field has never quite matched it. I always recoiled at the tacit dismissal of lost points early in the season as part of some learning process, or “peaking at the right time” platitude. Racing has yet to consistently convert the confidence they convey off the pitch to results on it. I still think there is enough talent on this team to make the playoffs, but there is no longer time for patience. A switch must be flipped at this point. I hope this team has it in them.
Bay 1 Racing 0 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Racing couldn’t figure out how to stitch enough positive possession together to find a breakthrough against Bay on Saturday evening. Without DeMelo, the team looked lost (not for the first time) and the second half was far too similar to road efforts from the past.
Racing was never near finding the back of the net. Their best chance was probably the corner that Borges headed similarly to last week against the Reign. This time, the power and direction were not as good, and it fell harmlessly in the box to be cleared away. The frustrating thing there and also at other points in the match was the lack of any other Racing player being ready for a second chance opportunity. Several times Sears made attacking runs to find that Bay had defenders there that outnumbered the Racing attackers. I don’t think Sears is good as a distributor on the left side. One time when she found Balcer, the pass was not where Bethany wanted it and she skied the shot. Sears also isn’t as good at getting her shot off on the left side. I guess what I am saying is that I don’t like her over there. That is going to be the reality when Beckie is out there although they did switch sides for a time late in the second half.
The first part of the season is really going to come back and haunt Racing. Some of the growing pains that they are experiencing now are a direct result of not having an experienced attack early in the year. Racing needed attacking subs last night, but we all saw that Petersen was preferred to a presumably available Bahr or Goins. Racing whiffed on their forward signings this spring other than Sears and Turner who were drafted. I guess it is possible that Motlhalo or Bahr could have a second-year jump like Kanu, but I don’t see how they will get minutes to do so. Milly Clegg was obviously never going to get minutes this year, so maybe the hope next year is that she will get the minutes that Goins is playing. By being too speculative on non-NWSL proven talent, Racing ultimately dug themselves a hole that they are struggling to dig out of.
Flint and to some degree Borges were the big disappointments for me last night. I tend to think of the midfielders’ job as winning and maintaining possession. Flint has been excellent as a disruptive force for Racing and the numbers will show that she has had an excellent season in that role. However last night, Racing needed their midfield to win possession in their own half and keep it. Racing’s midfielders had ZERO, NADA, NIL interceptions last night. More than any other type of match, this was one that direly needed either Borges or Flint to step up and make a play when Racing was getting pinned back, and they were nowhere. When this season ends, someone from the Racing communications staff will surely post on social media the gaudy numbers that Flint will almost definitely have amassed at the end of the season. When they do, remember this match too because when they needed her to take control she didn’t, and the pressure built to a point where Bay couldn’t be denied. This match feels like the beginning of the end for this iteration of Racing, and it was because the midfield wasn’t good enough.
Bay 1 Racing 0 Player Ratings
Racing can have no complaints about this result. The attack was toothless and they conceded way too much possession in the 2nd half. Once again they found themselves short in attacking options from the bench.
Lund-6: As usual, good in stopping shots, but I think she can do better coming for balls and making better passes.
Wright-6: It’s time for her to slide back to the middle.
Erceg-7: Bailed out Lund when she didn't break soon enough on the ball in the first half.
Jean-5: Had several misplaced passes, and I think Wright is the better CB option for now.
Milliet-6: Got beaten a few times defensively, but it wasn't damaging.
Flint-6: When teams pin Racing in like Bay did, she needs to step up and win and control balls in her own half.
Borges-6: Was much better in the first half compared to the second.
DiGrande-6: Had a decent look at goal but couldn't put it on target.
Sears-6: Needs to improve her final touch.
Beckie-6: Was decent in her first start.
Balcer-6: Needs to step up and do more.
Bay v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Racing continues a streak of matches against teams competing for a playoff spot. At this point that list includes just about every team from Chicago to Utah in the table. Houston seems to be imploding/exploding depending on your perspective.
I think we need to say at this point in the season that only a 2-goal or more lead in a match for Racing is one that should be considered somewhat comfortable. It definitely isn’t safe, but it would be a start. All of the leads given up earlier in the season loom large over these last eight matches. Sometimes the officiating is going to be abysmal, and it is very possible that you will lose in those situations. Leaving things to chance never seems to work out in Racing’s favor. There could be hundreds of reasons for that as well as absolutely no reasons other than the randomness of the league. Racing has not kept a clean sheet against NWSL competition since June 7th and since that was the Dash they only technically qualify. To win any of these matches, Racing will likely need to score multiple goals and a minimum of 3 should probably be the target. That need should dictate style, Kaitlyn Whiteside mentioned on the most recent BTRD podcast something that I noticed too. Racing deep in its own half early in matches lacks a sense of urgency. That wouldn’t be such an issue if Racing was built to win 1-0. It wasn’t built that way to start the season, and it definitely isn’t now.
I am still bullish on Racing’s chances, but I am less bullish if they don’t get it done with a match or two to spare. The team needs momentum after a tough loss, and if they don’t start to build it soon, I am afraid that they will run out of runway. Marissa DiGrande has done nothing to lose her position, but she isn’t DeMelo and Sav needs to drop back to the midfield to let a more natural forward play on the wing once she returns from suspension. If the front line isn’t Kanu/Balcer/Beckie to start in after Sav returns, I wonder what is preventing that from happening. Racing rolled the dice during the window, so I don’t know why there should be any more hesitation to use all of the ammunition that they acquired. Your 4 best proven attackers should be on the pitch if at all possible and as of this moment they are Kanu, Balcer, Beckie and DeMelo. Racing needs goals. They need them early and this is the best way to do it in my opinion. Sears and Fischer both work off of the bench.
Racing 2 Reign 3 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy NWSL LLC
Racing wasted too many good chances to put the match away and ultimately paid for it on Saturday evening against the Reign. Several old issues popped up, but it is hard to say that Racing did not have some good moments.
Let’s get the officiating out of the way first. I thought it was terrible, but not always one-sided. In real time, I thought the decisions leading to the free kick on the Reign’s second and the corner on the Reign’s third were incorrect. Since a full match replay isn’t available yet, I can’t go back and reassess. I will say that I don’t recall a Racing crowd ever being more upset with the calls during a match. There have been other matches where it was probably equal or close to it, but this was a very poor officiating performance. I think the thing that bothers me most is that there never seems to be any real consequences for poor officiating performances, or if there are the transparency is lacking. In every sport, I just want to know that there are consequences when the officials have a poor match. It wasn’t completely one-sided. Personally, I am not sure Jae Howell’s goal should have been ruled out. You have to think that VAR took a look and there was some contact, but I don’t think it was enough to rule the goal out. Again, since the full match is not available yet, I can’t challenge my initial view.
In full context of what was said above, Racing’s players still have got to stop putting themselves in situations where officiating becomes part of the narrative. Jean gave up a stone-cold penalty. Ji’s free kick goal was a stunner, but Racing had done such a good job in the first half keeping the Reign from getting into decent spots that letting the Reign get back into the match was an unforced error. I am not sure what Beckie is doing on the near post on the Reign’s third. Her presence ultimately meant that Lund had no time to react to the ball. It is difficult to say that any of the Reign’s goal were unfair in their execution, so the play leading up to them must shoulder the blame. All 5 goals in this match started from a dead ball. When you don’t score from open play, you really are stuck with the result.
The good news which may seem counterintuitive is that Racing has experienced so many painful losses, that they should be pretty good at shaking them off by now. The bad news is that I cannot remember a home match where the players looked so defeated afterwards. Many of them sat wordlessly on the pitch while the fireworks when off. I believe that they will recover to fight another day, but if they do start to slide out of playoff contention you would have to identify this match as the starting point.
I may come back to this match at some point once the full replay is available. For now, I think it is best to be brief and move on.
Racing 2 Reign 3 Player Ratings
My name is Laura Rodriguez and I am terrible at my job.
Racing will rue the chances they missed at the beginning of the second half. The officiating didn't look great but I will need to go back and see how egregious it was.
Lund-5: I will need to go back and watch the 3rd goal, but she looked pretty flat footed.
Wright-6: Decent.
Erceg-6: Alright.
Jean-5: Her first real mistake in a Racing jersey cost a goal.
Milliet-6: Came close to scoring.
Flint-7: Scored and was good elsewhere.
Borges-7: Opened the scoring, and makes Racing so much better when she is in.
DiGrande-6: Decent
Kanu-6: Decent and subbed at half.
DeMelo-8: Delivered 2 great corners.
Balcer-6: Had a couple of half chances.
Sears-6: Missed a chance that she would like to have back.
Racing v Reign Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy NWSL LLC
Racing looks to keep up their post summer break form against Seattle on Saturday. Jae Howell returns to Louisville, but other storylines are likely to be more important on the pitch.
With all of the newly acquired players having a few more practices under their belts, we could see another new Starting XI. However, with the squad now composed of more NWSL-proven talent the starters become less important as Racing now has the ability to bring proven scorers from the bench. What is less certain is how they might look if they have to make any defensive substitutes if they find themselves with a narrow lead late in the second half of a match.
With the new CBA meaning there is no draft next season, you would have to assume that Racing’s wish list of defensive free agents is starting to take shape. Wright and Erceg could sign new contracts but that is hardly guaranteed. A good lesson to remember from the first few Racing seasons is that weakness at CB is a recipe for disaster. It will be difficult to replace Erceg's leadership, but I personally think they need to get at least one more experienced CB under 30 and ditto for LB. A playoff appearance and a good showing might convince Erceg to stay for another year or two, but then again maybe not. Wright has a little more incentive to stick around, but Lauren Milliet plays in her favored position and a switch there isn't likely. Racing is an Erceg, Wright, or Jean absence away from things becoming very dicey this season because we really don't have a sense of how Barón would fare in an NWSL match. If Racing were to get a decent lead at some point, I would like to see what she can offer before it becomes an absolute necessity.
Kanu, Pikkujämsä, and Baggett all had their 2025 options exercised. I believe Elli’s was a mutual option, but I am not 100% sure. I have run into Elli at practice and on the concourse at matches and the last few times I have, she hasn’t been wearing any visible tape or braces which is a good sign. The Kanu extension for me was kind of a toss-up. I heard that she might be on a relatively high salary, but that may not be true. She has delivered enough goals to stick around in my opinion, but she will have to fight for minutes going forward. I would have been truly baffled if Racing would have exercised Baggett’s option if Howell was still on the team. She is obviously the last option in the midfield. I could see her fighting for a roster spot next season but in my opinion, she only still here based on reputation over performance.
Racing 3 Red Stars 1 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy Elizabeth Shaw
Racing put it its most complete performance of the season and ultimately cruised to a 3-1 win. I wish a Mallory Swanson-less Red Stars was Racing’s opponent every week, but tougher challenges are eventually ahead.
I don’t think there would be much debate that this was the best and most eye-pleasing performance of the season for Racing. Lavender Legion Board Member Peter Brown already tagged me in a Twitter (never X) post from Opta Jack lauding Racing’s 19-pass build up in the goal for Kanu. It was the type of play that I have been yearning for since the club started. However, let’s not forget that we have seem glimpses of it in the past, especially when teams sit back as the Red Stars do. I think the performance had something to do with the level of the opposition, but on balance probably more to do with Racing and its new additions. If there is one thing that I hope is clear to some of the people that follow this team, it is that there is a difference between adding players and adding NWSL-proven players. Balcer and Beckie immediately slotted in and showed their quality. Beckie didn’t have a ton of minutes and Balcer had less than 60, but you saw the impact they had by simply being on the pitch.
Some of the graphics I saw had Racing in a 4-4-2, but I think that was a rather lazy effort at stating the formation because Racing started only 2 nominal forwards. Racing played in its typical 3 forward system with DeMelo as the wide right forward. The straight swap for Beckie in the second half was pretty good evidence for that. However, they did give some 4-4-2 looks when both Kanu and Balcer were in the match, which I found refreshing. Lo Milliet looked reenergized (not that she really needed it but was off the chart good in the first 25 minutes) with DeMelo close to her on the right. The Beckie combo on the right will also be something I look forward to. I thought Wright and Kanu (and then Sears) did well too. I don’t think Wright is the answer defensively on the left, but she was good in attack. Racing still needs a more natural left back, and one might be coming. I think we are going to have to live with Sears on the left for now, and that looks to be in a substitute role. I think she hesitates more when going down the left side, but I am willing to give her some more time to adjust.
Let’s talk about the sacrifice that the team has made defensively. I am 100% on board with it, but shifting from a Flint, Howell, DiGrande midfield to a Flint, Borges, DiGrande midfield is going to make Racing weaker defensively in the short term at least. Last night it didn’t matter. Against teams that are more attack oriented we will likely have to wait and see how much they are sacrificing. The ball moved quickly through the midfield, which I liked, and Borges and Flint ended up playing fairly close to each other. That likely bodes well for the future, but let’s bookmark September 21st as maybe the first true test of the midfield when Racing faces North Carolina. I am not automatically penciling in wins against Seattle, Bay, and Angel City, but I can envision things going Racing’s way in those matches without too much imagination. We all know that North Carolina is a completely different proposition.
Racing’s roster now seems full of players that can come on as substitutes and make a difference which is something that I for one would have never said before. Sears, Fischer, and Kanu are all starter-level, but they may be the odd ones out when Racing takes the pitch next time. All three of them are perfectly capable of changing a match. I never felt that Bahr or Motlhalo offered much as a sub so their chances going foward will probably be limited. Goins has some history of scoring from the bench, but that was usually in secondary competitions or against lesser opponents. Clegg will likely get a look next year, but we haven’t seen her yet. Long story short, this is a roster that seems capable of winning matches AND capable of implementing a plan B (which I think is really important).
I was maybe a bit harsh on Lund when I said in my player ratings that she could have positioned herself better on the Chicago goal. After rewatching the goal several times, I have to say that Joseph’s finish was so good that no keeper would have stopped it. Perhaps she could have been closer to the post, but that would have opened her up to the cross more. It was probably the right positioning, and you just have to tip your cap to Joseph. I still wouldn’t have changed my rating for Katie to anything other than a 6, which is average. There was one time later in the match where she punched when I thought she easily could have caught. There was a point in the first half when she could have picked up the ball but cleared it with her feet. We all saw a couple of pretty good performances from Bloomer recently, but she is once again injured. I think Racing might be better served in the long term (starting next season) bringing in another keeper to challenge Katie and Jordyn. Sekany and White are probably just insurance. I think they need another keeper at their level to really challenge them. Maybe the club feels like they have that in Sekany, but I think I have seen enough to assert that there should be more competition in goal.
Racing 3 Red Stars 1 Player Ratings
Courtesy Elizabeth Shaw
Racing looked like a completely different team especially in attack. They don't look like they will keep many clean sheets but they might be good enough to outscore many teams.
Lund-6: Probably could have positioned herself better on the Red Star goal. Wasn't troubled much otherwise, but still looks a little unsure of herself to me.
Wright-6: Very good in attack at left back, but probably isn't the solution defensively.
Erceg-7: Had another nice composed performance.
Jean-7: I'm not sure she loses her starting spot if Racing find a left back in this window. She has been fantastic.
Milliet-8: An absolute menace on the right tonight.
Flint-8: Near perfect.
Borges-7: Offers everything you need at the 8.
DiGrande-8: It was great to see her consistency rewarded with a goal.
DeMelo-7: Really involved and almost scored on a free kick.
Kanu-8: Scored a fine goal and had several more chances.
Balcer-7: Got a fine assist in her Racing debut.
Fischer-8: Has really taken to the number 9 role.
Racing v Red Stars Pre Match Thoughts
A new look Racing takes the pitch on Saturday at home against the Red Stars. With all of the departures and incoming players, the line up we get on Saturday is unlikely to be the same one we get as players further integrate, but it will give us some clue as to how Racing might finish out the season.
I think the new CBA that was announced was likely good for the players and ultimately good for the league, but since the full terms haven’t been released as of yet, it is difficult to say too much about it. The player press release is obviously going to highlight the benefits to the players, but the devil is in the details on these types of things. One thing is clear to me at least and that is if Racing is going to have to ultimately support a higher payroll, then they are going to have to expand their revenue streams. I don’t think an average attendance of 6000 or so, can support a 2030-sized payroll. That is pure conjecture on my part, but it is something that worries me. The ownership group and the city of Louisville got a sweetheart deal on their franchise rights, but that won’t sustain an operating model and the current revenue stream forever. Again, I don’t have any real evidence here other than my experience, but I think that Soccer Holdings is probably not making any real money on Racing and are probably operating at a loss. Compounding the expenses without increasing the revenue is not really sustainable for anybody other than an owner with deep, deep pockets. Because there is next to no transparency here, I would be delighted for someone to open the books on the NWSL and its franchises and prove me wrong. I am not going to hold my breath.
However, that worry is not an immediate concern (I hope) but making the playoffs and getting an attendance bump that will need to go with it is likely the impetus for the wave of player movement we have experienced. Racing might be slightly worse on defense but should be noticeably better in attack. Balcer should slot in right away but let me remind everyone of a few things. (1) Balcer has only ever played for a single NWSL team that (2) was a pretty consistent winner with (3) multiple pretty reliable goal-scoring options. The environment matters, so hopefully it translates but we shouldn’t hit the panic button if it doesn’t happen immediately. Beckie arrived probably too late (her first practice was this morning) to do anything other than make the squad on Saturday. Barón is likely here for depth initially, so I think we see a similar back line to what we saw against Palmeiras. The good news is that Racing probably has enough to beat the Red Stars at home anyway, so I expect them to get off on the right foot in their playoff chase.
In the things that I have read here and there, I have to hand it to Racing fans in that for the most part they seem to be having a fairly level-headed response to losing some beloved and well-liked players. Some of that is due to humanity’s propensity to rationalize pretty much anything that happens, and some is due to getting in some reps in the previous seasons losing players. If you put those two things to the side, I still believe that Racing is better for the moves and I do feel like that is the consensus view among reasonable fans (I blocked out the unreasonable ones long ago, so your experience may vary). By all accounts Racing could add more players too, so you have to say that the club had a very good transfer window on paper at least. Now they just have to follow through on things.
This may be one of the more obvious sentences I have ever written on this space, but Racing needs wins and not draws. At this point in the season, a draw and a loss are basically equivalent due to the teams around Racing in the table. I tend to think there will be six teams fighting for the final two spots. Racing should not settle for anything less than wins in the six home matches they have remaining. I think 15 points from 10 would probably get things done.
Summer Transfer Window (so far) Recap
There have been quite a few squad changes prior to Racing’s return to NWSL action on Saturday at home against the Red Stars (and still time for more). Overall, one would have to say that this points to Racing going all in on a playoff run, so that outcome will ultimately be used to evaluate the moves.
I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence by pretending we all don't know exactly what was going on with the Pickett trade. If you don’t know and still care to know, a little bit of research into the NWSL fan sphere should do the trick. Regardless, this trade weakens the team on paper, but is probably for the best all things considered. Wright is a downgrade on the left side of defense, but not an insurmountable one. The club still needs to find a different solution there, but Wright can hold down the fort temporarily.
The big surprise (timing wise, but probably not so much from a roster building perspective) was the Howell/Balcer swap. Simply put, Howell hasn't been as defensively reliable as Flint (although personally I think Taylor's form has dropped recently) or offensively productive as Borges so she was always going to be the odd player out in midfield. Balcer theoretically should provide exactly what Racing needs, but she will have to do it in a new system with new teammates. It's a deal that you have to roll the dice with, but as in all things the proof is in the pudding. Balcer (a frankly delusional Spurs fan) was a name that I heard connected with Racing back at the start of the season, and one would assume that the projected at-the-time short-term absence of Kirsten Wright probably played into the deal not making it through in the spring window. If she brings goals, it will be a fine signing.
One thing leads to another, and you have to think that the addition of Balcer led directly to the Turner/Beckie swap. This means that yet another first-round pick doesn't see out their original contact with Racing. I prefer Sears to Turner because I think her ceiling is higher and she has more range. In my opinion, this is more of an endorsement of Sears rather than anything Turner did not do. I think every team in the league expected Sears to be less polished than she actually is. I believe the narrative on Turner was that she was a nearly finished product that would be ready to start day one. She remains that, but Racing obviously felt that Balcer was the better option at this particular moment in time. I can't imagine that Turner relished dropping down the depth chart on Racing, but she will have a similar issue to try to earn every minute she can in Portland. Beckie isn't a tremendous goal scorer, but does give excellent service from the right and paired with Milliet could be a very different look for opponents. This probably shifts Sears to the left on a more semi-permanent basis, which I don't necessarily love, but her left foot isn't bad. If she can learn to cut in on her right from the left side that could be a good thing, but I think her natural right footed shot fades to the right as much as it curves to the left, so that might be something to work on.
Ángela Barón has been with the team for a while but because the NWSL seems pathologically and comically poor when it comes to handing paperwork or announcing transfers it was finally presented on Tuesday, thus having much less fanfare than the Howell/Balcer swap. She probably doesn't slot it immediately, but as I keep pointing out, the back line will need a rebuild sooner rather than later, so this will be a good first step if she can prove herself.
The front office/ ownership/ coaching staff has taken some pretty big swings during this transfer window. As always, now isn't the time to pass judgment, but that time is coming soon. If these moves facilitate a playoff appearance or better, then I will lead the charge on showering the club with praise. I honestly believe at this moment that they may have done enough to move into 7th or 8th. Obviously we will know more after a few matches. However, let me also say that if this doesn't work I expect some consequences for ownership/front office/coaches. For ownership, another season without a playoff appearance will surely result in an attendance drop, and for ownership I have exactly zero sympathy. I made a mental note when Kaitlyn mentioned “this is a business” on the most recent episode of BTRD, with “this” being owning a football club. In one sense, of course it is. In a greater sense, it is also a social contract, albeit a precious and non-binding one. Anyone who owns an NWSL franchise at this point for any reason other than as a public service AND/OR for their own vanity is kidding themselves. Expect to lose money, because you absolutely are doing so at this point. Any bellyaching about it seems naive at best or disingenuous at worse. On the other hand, if this team does make the playoffs and heaven forbid actually win a playoff match I think the ownership is well within its right to expect better from the city. If the city doesn't oblige, it will be city who has broken the social contract.
For Ryan Dell, I think he had to swing big and try to get this window right. If it works and I hope it does, good for him. If it doesn't, I think he should be concerned for the long term prospects for keeping his job. Since I am not in charge, the results of his moves may not matter when it comes to his performance evaluation, but it absolutely should.
As for the coaches, I assume that Bev is safe regardless, but then that also might depend on Dell. I don't like it when coaches change too much, so I would never advocate for only giving a relatively inexperienced coach a single year. What I will say is that the next time Racing gets a new head coach, they need to wipe the slate clean. There has always been a hesitation to introduce too much change in the coaching staff, but all that has been achieved by doing that here is that you have coaches that have been around for a lot of losing.
I really don't expect things to go so poorly that Racing misses the playoffs, but it is something that if it happens should be addressed swiftly.
Racing 2 Colo-Colo 0 Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy Elizabeth Shaw
Racing wrapped up their Women's Cup tournament with a victory for 3rd place over Chilean squad Colo-Colo. Rotation was the name of the game, and some but definitely not all of Racing’s mainstays got a bit of a break.
I know it’s beginning to sound like a broken record, but once again Racing appeared to be short on players. Abby Erceg missed her chance to get any rest because the central defender ranks have just been too thin all season. Elli Pikkujämsä’s injury was a disaster for roster balance, and only now do Racing seem to be on the verge of filling her gap. League rules play a part in the delay, but those of us wondering why Racing were signing so many midfielders at the beginning of the season have to feel a little vindicated. If Racing goes into next season with a similar roster imbalance, I think we seriously need to question some of management’s roster-building decisions. Maddie Pokorny once again showed what a squad player should be. She has been a solid signing from the get-go. As a “winger” she demonstrates the utility that usually allows a team to sign more specialized players, like center back and center forward. Pokorny is the type of player that should buy you and additional roster spot, but Racing still has too many players who don’t add enough value. Pickett was nowhere to be seen yesterday, so do what you will with that information. If she were available, you would have to think that Erceg would have gotten the day off.
It’s been a while since I have thought about the NWSL table, and I honestly don’t even think about it much until it gets to this point of the season anyway. While the Red Stars haven’t really convinced me that they are a lock for the playoffs, the 6 teams above them appear to be. Bay sits in 8th, with 4 other teams including Racing certainly capable of catching them. Making the playoffs is still a reachable goal, but my observations and general probability lead me to believe that Racing will be on the outside looking in when the season ends. It isn’t impossible for this team to go on a run of good results, but it would be fully out of character. There will almost certainly be roster changes by the time the summer transfer window closes, but I don’t expect any marquee arrivals (departures are another story). Long story short, Racing has the time, but I am not sure if they have the fight/energy/roster/karma/will to make a playoff push. I don’t personally feel any excitement or energy surrounding the club, so I think another hilariously redundant 9th place finish might be in order.
I wouldn’t blame too many players if they were ready to move on from the Racing experiment. I think a backline rebuild is probably at the top of the to-do list, so this transfer window might be the beginning of that. Erceg isn’t signed past 2024, and Pickett has rarely been effectively deployed to demonstrate her full ability. Wright has been decent, but not who she once was even a few seasons ago. Ellie Jean seems full capable of giving solid 90s every time out, so I expect that she is willing to give it another year. Milliet is signed through 2026, but you can’t tell me that her effectiveness, durability and work rate hasn’t caught the eye of another foreign or domestic club. Pikkujämsä has a 2025 option, but her fitness will likely be a deciding factor in whether she returns. The back line has been pretty good for Racing this season, especially compared to the first two season, but honestly it has been a stopgap solution. Maybe all of the players stick around for another year, but the planning for the future is surely starting now.
Racing 2 Colo-Colo 0 Player Ratings
Racing rather comfortably cruised to victory without having to exert too much energy. We didn't learn much, but some squad players got some valuable minutes.
Bloomer-6: Not really called on to do much, but did get bailed out by the crossbar once.
Wright-6: Pickett didn't make the squad (hmmm) so she had to go the full 90.
Erceg-6: Full 90 for her too.
Jean-6: Solid again.
Pokorny-7: Nice to see her get a goal.
Baggett-6: I missed the first 10 minutes to be fair but I didn't see her fo anything noteworthy while I was watching.
Borges-7: Goal. Looked like the best attacker.
DiGrande-6: Not a fan of her being played out wide.
Motlhalo-6: Did nothing to change my mind on her.
Sears-7: Assist. Still don't like her on the left.
Fischer-7: Assist. Would like to see her score another before I put too much more confidence into her being the 9.
Racing v Colo-Colo Pre Match Thoughts
Courtesy EM Dash Photography
I got about halfway through writing another post in lieu of the normal pregame piece where I outlined all of Racing’s ills and what I would do to tix them before I decided that I honestly couldn’t be bothered. I have all kinds of opinions that A) don’t matter and you don’t care about and B) wouldn’t make a difference even if they did make a coherent statement, so I will stick to the script and give you my usual loosely connected thoughts.
The piece I abandoned was going to be called “Summer Nadir”. I will give you the short version:
Racing is doomed
They have always been doomed
I have ideas to fix things but no real authority to see if they work or even could
Sparing you that rather negative read, I did want to include this bit inspired by Alan Spade who rhetorically asked in the Lavender Legion Slack “if everyone still wants to run through a brick wall”:
The “brick wall” lip service at the beginning of the season always felt bizarre to me. I am all for motivational coaches and tactics, but in reality, they make better Hollywood stories and motivational poster fodder than actually being effective. My response to players willing to run through a brick wall is always, “wouldn’t you rather not have a brick wall to run through?” I get that the metaphor is meant to provide motivation in difficult situations, but shouldn’t the job of a coach be to prevent the difficult situations?
Where do we find ourselves now? A very difficult situation. Does anybody on the team look like they want to take on a brick wall? Definitely not enough of them. Now seems to be the time to figure out how to approach the brick wall because it is there, and it seems impenetrable.
The energy seems sapped from this team. A team that requires constant motivation, is always going to be susceptible to down periods. It doesn’t make for good copy, but give me a team willing to figure out how to avoid the brick walls versus needing the energy to constantly run through them.
Racing really should be able to handle Colo-Colo, but I haven’t the foggiest idea about how Bev might approach this match. There is absolutely nothing at stake, but also the roster is so thin that I don’t think there are many ways to put out a starting lineup that is much different than normal, especially on defense. If I were her, I would try to find a way to give Erceg a night off. Bloomer should get the nod here too. Milliet could be given a break as well as Flint. Honestly it doesn’t matter, but if Racing are going to give the appearance of making a final push for the playoffs, those are the type of moves that I would expect to see.
As of this moment there is no update on new signings, but I still believe at least one is imminent. It may not be today, but I do think it gets done sooner rather than later.
Racing 0 (2) Palmeiras 0 (4) Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy EM Dash
Racing lost its first ever Women’s Cup semifinal and it is hard to argue that it wasn’t a fair result. Palmeiras did enough to keep Racing off of the scoreboard in regular time, so you just have to accept any result when a match ends in spot kicks.
This was probably the least entertaining match in the history of the Women’s Cup. While Bev gave praise to the team’s performance, I never felt like Racing generated enough chances to feel too shortchanged by the result. Mothalo had a golden opportunity on a header late, but it was just wide. There was another sequence in the second half where the ball could have ended up in the back of the net. Neither did, and with Fischer’s chance saved in the first half, those were the only real opportunities for Racing that I can recall. Palmeiras held possession enough to keep the match even, thus were very excited to come away with the victory on penalties. They will go on to face Juventus in the final who fairly easily dispatched Colo Colo and their very entertaining and enthusiastic supporter’s section.
I feel fairly certain that I have enough data now to deem this vintage of Racing as “disappointing and dull”. They don’t score enough to play what I would call entertaining football. Their defense is fine for the most part when they don’t take on one-way traffic for large portions of time. Very little on this team is producing the needed results. Coach Yanez feels like her message is getting across or at least communicates as much during her media time, but that might be the most indicting piece of information available. Juventus scored with so much ease in the first match, that sometimes it appeared as if they were scoring in first gear. Everything that Racing does seems to take maximum effort and produces minimal results. Bar a few personal favorites, there are few players in Racing’s squad that I would be too upset to see leave for different (greener?) pastures. This club got off on the wrong foot from its inception and has never been able to completely right itself. The owners and leadership probably deserve it. The fans don’t.
It sounds like Racing could be getting some reinforcements in soon. There was definitely an unfamiliar face hanging out with the other Racing players who didn’t dress. I believe something will be announced soon, but as always that depends on paperwork and the NWSL office getting though it efficiently, something they are definitely not known for.
Racing losing was probably bad for The Women’s Cup. If Racing was to be competing for a trophy on Tuesday, theoretically you could have had a decent number of walkups. With them playing for 3rd place, I can’t imagine anyone with a burning desire to get a ticket who doesn’t have one already. I feel like Juventus will take care of business and at least score a couple in regular time and win the final.
Racing 0 (2) Palmeiras 0 (4) Player Ratings
Racing were not nearly good enough in regular time. It ultimately cost them and now they have to regroup for Tuesday.
Lund-6: Made a few good stops.
Wright-6: Was decent at left back again.
Erceg-6: Merely so-so.
Jean-6: Ditto for Ellie.
Milliet-7: Provided the best attacking impetus.
Flint-6: Fair, but below her standard.
Howell-6: Solid, if unspectacular.
DiGrande-6: Decent.
Borges-7: Keeps looking healthier, which is encouraging.
Sears-6: Doesn't need to be deployed on the left as she is so much better on the right.
Fischer-7: Had another decent night as the lone central striker.
Racing v Palmeiras Pre Match Thoughts
Racing looks to win a bit of silverware to brighten their summer in The Women's Cup which begins on Friday evening with a semifinal doubleheader. I enjoy this competition and I look forward to seeing the styles of football played by the other sides.
I could go on a longer-winded rant about the stark contrast in the interest between this competition and the USWNT match just announced in Louisville, but I will spare you. Let's just say that I am rather fond of this competition, and if you don't decide to come you are missing out. Most club players will never be good enough to play for their national teams, so the outsized interest and importance placed on international football doesn't sit right with me. I could go longer and deeper on this topic but nobody is interested that. Let's just say that club soccer will always be, in my opinion, the better and purer product.
By all accounts, Racing should breeze through this competition if they played their best available XI, which doesn't include DeMelo who is out and it targeting Chicago for a return. Regardless of who plays, Racing should still have enough quality to overcome any team in this competition. I think some rotation is to be expected, and that's a good thing.
Expect Juventus to be a little rusty as they are in preseason form, but Colo-Colo and Palmeiras are in mid-season form. That means that we should get to see their style at its most optimal.
Pride 1 (3) Racing 1 (4) Post Match Thoughts
Courtesy USA Today Sports Image
Racing put themselves in position to get the scoreline that they needed, but ultimately fell short. This is an entertaining tournament, and until there is a CONCACAF Champions League type event I would like to see it played again (when necessary to fill in for international tournaments).
Many times these types of tournaments are most valuable for the lessons you learn during them so here are my takeaways:
Jordyn Bloomer should get some more looks during league matches. However, “should” and “will” are distant cousins. Lund has done nothing to lose her starting job, so I can’t picture any scenario other than injury in which we would see Jordyn start over her. It’s a good problem to have for Coach Yanez, but you do feel for Jordyn. If the league can settle on having a “cup” tournament every season, then she should be the “cup” goalie. Personally, I would like to see her in both Women’s Cup matches, but I bet the two keepers get a start a piece.
I try to stay off the cesspool known as Facebook, but I heard from my wife that there were some rather unfortunate pro-Orlando sentiments from Linda Mothalo fans. I get that people follow certain teams due to certain players. However, I find it laughable that she is being held off the pitch for any other reason than the players in front of her on the depth chart are earning their minutes. Personally, I think her signing was a “miss”. If you feel personally attacked by that statement, I suggest you grow up.
There is some defensive flexibility on this team. I’m not clamoring for a change to a back 3, but I think Jean has been good enough to chance resting a wing back like Racing did last night. I realize that Wright was partly responsible for conceding the Orlando goal, but I thought she was fine other than that.
Racing needs more squad depth. Once again (and I can never type those words without thinking of Bernie Sanders), Racing had 7 players on the bench when 8 were permitted. Injuries and excused absences led to the shortfall last night, but it has happened a few times this season. There are some players (who will remain nameless, but I will give you 2 guesses) that even when they are on the substitute list would only ever get used if the team was ahead or behind by multiple goals.
On last night’s match, I thought it was a bizarre starting lineup, but I understand it. Obviously, Bev wanted to give some squad players some minutes, but I thought the poor pitch conditions really made it tough to get anything going on both sides until about 30 minutes into the match. It’s not unusual to see players that don’t play much together struggle to connect on passes, but I thought the first half group did okay under the circumstances. Obviously, brining on better (and in Ary’s case, fitter) players in the second half gave Racing a fighting chance. Sticking with the boxing metaphor, the first half could be interpreted as a bit of rope-a-dope tactic and since they only conceded one goal, you have to admit that it kind of worked. I think the opposite approach could have backfired especially in the soggy conditions, so overall I surprise even myself by saying that I liked how the rotation ultimately played out. It felt like Racing had their chances to get the scoreline that they needed, and that’s all you can ask.
Feel free to take joy in the spot kick shootout result, but it was completely moot even if obligatory. I would always prefer winning any knockout competition over losing it, but the reason that they are less valued in club football is partly due to the fact that advancement and even winning the cup is not always settled in regular time or extra time. Imagine ending the NBA finals in a 5-minute OT followed by alternating free throws. Football by its nature dictates that spot kicks are necessary, but I will always prefer the league competitions, where it simply isn’t necessary.
Pride 1 (3) Racing 1 (4) Player Ratings
Courtesy USA Today Sports Images
Racing made a go of it, but came up short of the two goals they needed. The spot kicks were an exercise in futility.
Bloomer-7: Very good again, and I think she should challenge Lund for minutes.
Wright-5: Was a little out of position on the goal.
Erceg-6: Needlessly put Orlando into a dangerous position with a poor pass.
Jean-7: Probably needs even more meaningful minutes.
Milliet-6: Solid as usual.
Flint-6: Hasn't been her dazzling self recently.
Baggett-5: How she gets minutes is beyond my comprehension.
Borges-6: Put in her longest shift since her return.
Bahr-6: Got in some good positions, but did nothing once she got there.
Turner-7: Scored an excellent header.
Goins-6: Didn't get many opportunities in the 45 minutes she got.
Sears-7: Changed the match, as she typically does when she enters as a sub.
DiGrande-7: The team is better with her in it.
Pride v Racing Pre Match Thoughts
By the time Racing takes the pitch on Thursday, they will know exactly what they need to do to qualify for the semifinals of this competition. If they get 7 points AND win the group the job will be done.
On the other side, Orlando will also know if they have a chance to win the group. If they are mathematically eliminated, one might be tempted to fully rotate and get some game film on squad players. That's what I would do, but in this league who knows. Either way, both Taylor Flint and Bev Yanez commented that Racing wouldn't adjust their preparation. It is honestly too late to do that now anyway, but if Racing are put into a position where goal difference is at play, I would expect the substitutes to reflect that.
Everyone seems impressed with Kayla Fischer as the isolated center forward in Racing’s setup for the last two matches. I will reserve judgment on the switch until we get some more games. Initially, it looks like a good move for Kayla. She is much less likely to pick up a silly yellow card in that position. However, she needs to show some goal-scoring prowess over an extended time before I declare Racing’s center forward issue “solved”. It's a different look and I am all for it as an option at least. She does seem to want to press more than anyone else who plays there, so that's definitely a plus in the current system.
Orlando while missing key players is a different system to solve compared to North Carolina. Racing's recent progress will be measured against how they play against different styles. Orlando never looked uncomfortable once they got a lead at home against Racing earlier this season, so the goal here should be to take them out of there comfort zone early.
It was bad news for Kirsten Wright yesterday. I don't think there is more anyone can say other than to wish her a speedy recovery. I have no idea in terms of if they will try to fill an open roster spot between now and the end of the season. I think it will be based on who is available and willing to come to Louisville.