McDonald's Late Goal Helps Racing Draw Houston in Home Opener

May 15, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release

Racing Louisville FC reacts after Jess McDonald's goal against the Houston Dash
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: Connor Cunningham)

All things considered, the result was met with satisfaction from Racing Louisville, which had to make four last-minute, unexpected changes to its starting lineup between two and six hours before kickoff. One expected starter was placed in COVID-19 protocols, while three others were late scratches because of illness.

Racing coach Kim Björkegren called it the most difficult build-up to a game in his 15-year coaching career, expressing pride in the "fighting spirit" from his team.

"I think we were the better team," Björkegren said. "We had 60% of the possession and we created more chances. You can see even after they scored, we kept fighting and looking for the equalizer, and even after that, we kept going for the winner. That's all I can ask for out of the team today, and I'm extremely proud of them."

Racing (0-1-2, two points) started the day with fullback Rebecca Holloway in the starting lineup, along with midfielder Freja Olofsson and center backs Gemma Bonner and Julia Lester. By 7 p.m., an hour before kick, defenders Addisyn Merrick, Nealy Martin and Erin Simon and attacker Kirsten Davis had entered the starting 11 in place of their teammates.

"You could see the depth we have on this team and how incredible everyone is," McDonald said. "It's been amazing to see those who haven't played much, like Erin Simon, who is coming back from an injury. ... She deserved the start today, as you could see. She's a brick wall, and I commend her for performing the way that she did. Same with Addy Merrick. Coming in, she didn't know that she was going to start, either. For the two of them to play really well together, that just shows you the level of professionalism with these young players, and it's a beautiful thing to witness."

McDonald's goal came at a critical moment, just minutes after Houston's Nichelle Prince scored the go-ahead goal on a rebound from Racing goalkeeper Katie Lund's spectacular save on the initial point-blank header in the 77th minute. The Dash scored on a corner against the run of play after Racing dominated the second half, controlling nearly 60% of possession and coming close to the game's first goal on three separate occasions.

Racing attacker Emina Ekic pressured Houston into a turnover in its own defensive third, then midfielder Savannah DeMelo cut the ball back into fullback Lauren Milliet's path some 25 yards to the right of Houston's goal.

Milliet's perfect delivery found McDonald floating into a pocket of space behind Houston's center backs, and the veteran forward coolly slotted her header into the side netting on the far post, just past Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell.

It was McDonald's second goal in as many matches and her 53rd career goal in the National Women's Soccer League regular season.

For Racing, the focus now turns to Alex Morgan and the San Diego Wave, who visit Wednesday for the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Racing will enter that game with an uplifted spirit after Saturday's rally, both in the game and before it.

"Jess (McDonald) had a great speech before we came out," said fullback Emily Fox, who along with McDonald is among the team's four captains. "I think we are all there for each other. People who don't normally start started today, and they proved they are just as good and deserve a chance to start."

Racing Louisville FC reacts after Jess McDonald's goal against the Houston Dash (Connor Cunningham)

National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 15, 2022

• Spirit Drops First Match in DC Since 2018 - Washington Spirit
• Angel City Football Club Defeats Reigning NWSL Champion Washington Spirit; Secures First-Ever Road Win - Angel City FC
• Chicago Red Stars Fall to San Diego Wave 2-1 - Chicago Stars FC
• Dash and Racing Louisville FC Play to a 1-1 Draw in Third Meeting of 2022 - Houston Dash
• McDonald's Late Goal Helps Racing Draw Houston in Home Opener - Racing Louisville FC

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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