Racing Tops OL Reign with Strong Performance in Portland

March 15, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release

Racing Louisville FC takes on the OL Reign
(Racing Louisville FC)

The goals reflected the performance from the Louisvillians, who had four good scoring chances in the first half before Fischer broke through in the 50th minute. McDonald scored hers in the 65th.

"It's always fun to win," Racing head coach Kim Björkegren said. "Even if it's a friendly, it's important for us to win with this group. We have a little bit of a new group, so to find ways to win is important, especially closer to the league start. I'm happy."

Racing rotated its squad in a few places after the tournament-opening match against Portland on Sunday, making four changes to the starting lineup. The group showed no real change from the cohesion it showed days earlier vs. Portland, moving the ball well and looking particularly dangerous on counters.

Fischer's deflected goal, scored in the 50th minute, rewarded Racing for its strong performance and provided another highlight to the rookie midfielder's impressive preseason so far. It was her second goal in a Racing scrimmage in the buildup to the regular season.

The Ohio State product scored five minutes after she came on as a substitute at halftime.

"She's really, really talented," Björkegren said. "She has some work to do a little bit on defense, but with the ball, her first touch and how she moves - she's almost like a snake. It was a great goal."

McDonald's goal was a case of veteran savvy. One of the NWSL's most decorated and accomplished players read a poor back pass perfectly, getting a toe to the ball before OL Reign goalkeeper Laurel Ivory at the edge of the area, then tapping the ball into an open frame.

The goal made up for McDonald smacking the crossbar in the first half, an unfair end to the play after her smooth combination play with midfielder Savannah DeMelo.

The match was the second of three in Portland. Racing will finish the tournament at 8 p.m. ET Saturday against the U.S. Women's National Team U-23s.

Fans can follow preseason games via the club's social media accounts, where any live streaming details will be posted if available.

Racing Louisville FC takes on the OL Reign

National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 15, 2023

• Racing Tops OL Reign with Strong Performance in Portland - Racing Louisville FC
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• San Diego Wave and Soapy Joe's Car Wash Announce 2023 Partnership - San Diego Wave FC
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• Gotham FC and NWSL Announce 2023 National Broadcast Schedule - NJ/NY Gotham FC
• Washington Spirit Announces 2023 Broadcast Schedule - Washington Spirit
• Thorns FC Announce Broadcast Schedule for 2023 Season - Portland Thorns FC
• NWSL Sets Racing's 2023 Broadcast Schedule - Racing Louisville FC
• Kansas City Current Home Opening Match April 1 to be Broadcast Nationally on CBS Television Network - Kansas City Current
• NWSL Announces Television and Streaming Details for 2023 Season with All 176 Matches Airing Across CBS Sports Platforms - NWSL
• 2023 Orlando Pride Broadcast Schedule Announced - Orlando Pride
• San Diego Wave FC Goalkeeper Carly Telford Announces Retirement - San Diego Wave 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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