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NWSL Racing Louisville FC

What to Watch for with Racing at OL Reign

May 7, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release


Racing Louisville FC midfielder Kirsten Davis
Racing Louisville FC midfielder Kirsten Davis
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: USA Today Sports Images)

Racing Louisville FC travels out west this weekend to face Seattle's OL Reign at 6 p.m. ET Sunday. The matchup will be played in Reign's new home, the expansive Lumen Field, also home to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and MLS's Seattle Sounders.

Racing is coming off a frustrating season-opening loss at the Chicago Red Stars. In the 2-1 defeat, Racing dominated, setting a new NWSL record for crosses tried, but was significantly disrupted by severe thunderstorms in the area. Second-year star fullback Emily Fox scored her first professional goal in the loss, tying the game in the 10th minute.

As for the Reign, it is coming off back-to-back losses to the reigning league champion Washington Spirit in both the season opener last weekend and the NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Prior to that, the Reign went undefeated in its Challenge Cup division, earning the most points of any team in the six-match group stage.

Sunday's match marks the first time this season that Racing will play a team from outside its Challenge Cup group that consisted of Chicago, Kansas City and Houston.

Last year, Racing drew Reign in Louisville, 1-1, in September after losing 2-0 five weeks earlier in Tacoma, Washington, despite outshooting the home team, 17-10.

OL Reign is home to many United States Women's National Team standouts, including defenders Alanna Cook and Sophia Huerta, midfielder Rose Lavelle and attacking winger Megan Rapinoe, along with reigning NWSL MVP Jess Fishlock. The Reign is also led by Laura Harvey, last year's NWSL Coach of the Year.

Sunday's match will stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. and internationally on Twitch.

Follow along...

- For Starting XI and in-game updates, follow @RacingLouFC on Twitter and Racing Louisville FC on Facebook. Also find us at @racinglouisvillefc on Instagram.

- The game will be streamed live on Paramount+ in the United States and on Twitch internationally.

Player availability report

- Emily Fox (out, left leg)

- Nadia Nadim (out, right leg)

Storylines...

Cross record: Racing fired in an NWSL-record 47 crosses, with 43 coming from open play, in its loss at Chicago. The North Carolina Courage previously held both records for most crosses (42) and open play crosses (34).

DeMelo takes her chance: Savannah DeMelo continues to impress through the early part of her rookie season. Against the Red Stars, the midfielder played all 90 minutes, recording two shots, including a curling free kick that rattled off the post from 25 yards out. Defensively, she led the squad in both duels (15) and tackles won (4).

Chidiac lands: While Racing was away in Chicago, midfielder Alex Chidiac arrived in Louisville. The Australian international recently finished the 2022 season by winning the A-League with Melbourne Victory. During that run, she was named the team's player of the season and the players' player of the year. Now, she's awaiting her NWSL debut.

Nadia returns to training: While still not game-ready, forward Nadia Nadim has returned to team training after having knee surgery seven months ago. Last season, the Danish international scored 3 goals and tallied 1 assist in eight appearances for Racing. Over the next few weeks, Nadim will continue to build her fitness in anticipation of her return to game action.

NWSL out west: Racing has struggled in previous trips to the Pacific Northwest. Last year, the club was shut out in both matches at Portland and OL. Unlike last year, however, Sunday's match will not kickoff past 10 p.m. ET.

Fox finishes: Emily Fox scored her first professional goal this past Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars. Cece Kizer's precise pass to Fox's feet allowed the defender to coolly turn and finish past Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Racing now has seen eight players score goals across all competitions in 2022.

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Images from this story

Racing Louisville FC midfielder Kirsten Davis
Racing Louisville FC midfielder Kirsten Davis
(USA Today Sports Images)		   



National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 7, 2022


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