LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Racing Louisville FC entered the second half of the NWSL season with momentum and a growing sense of belief. But Friday night at Lynn Family Stadium, it ran straight into the league’s hottest team — and learned just how steep the climb to the playoffs remains.
Facing a Kansas City Current squad that’s sprinting away from the league pack, Racing hung tough for an hour before succumbing to a pair of second-half goals in a 2-0 defeat before a season-high crowd of 8,113.
"From an overall quality standpoint, I think we’ve let ourselves down," Racing head coach Bev Yanez said. "We played a very good opponent. They’re a very good team. But we also have to believe we are as well."
Belief has come easier of late. Racing entered the match having earned more points over the last seven games than all but one NWSL team — unfortunately, that one happened to be Kansas City, now winners of seven straight.
The result dropped Racing to 6-6-2 on the season, keeping the club in seventh place, still in playoff position with the top eight advancing. But Yanez and her players were left lamenting a strong start that went unrewarded.
"I think we’re going to be really gutted and disappointed about this match," said defender Ellie Jean. "We came out really strong. Our first half was fantastic. I think at the end of the day it’s about, how can we put on that first half performance for 90 minutes?"
The first half told one story — Racing outpaced the Current in final third entries (34-22) and held its own in possession. The second half told another — Kansas City created both of the game’s "big chances," per Opta, and converted them both.
Temwa Chawinga put the Current on the board in the 65th minute, finishing a cross from Michelle Cooper. Just eight minutes later, Elizabeth Ball doubled the lead with a well-placed header off an Izzy Rodriguez free kick.
Racing’s best chances came early. Rookie Katie O’Kane forced a near-post save off a rebound in the first half, and forward Emma Sears came close again in the 62nd minute with a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
"I think we’ve shown this league we can play with anyone," said Janine Sonis. "But obviously they’re the No. 1 team in the league for a reason — they find a way to win. We’ve got to get to that place."
That challenge continues next Saturday at second-place Orlando, a team Racing defeated 2-0 just six weeks ago in Louisville. But this time, it’s on the road — and points are at a premium as the playoff race tightens.
Still, if there’s a silver lining, it’s the crowd — 8,113 fans turning out on "Down the Stretch Night," signaling growing support for a club still in the postseason mix.
"Really feeling like the city’s supporting us," Yanez said. "That’s exciting for us."
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