Early two-goal hole costs Racing Louisville FC in 2-1 loss to Washington

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Racing Louisville FC found itself in a position its opponents have too often succeeded in time and time again.

Down 2-0 just 34 minutes into a home match against the Washington Spirit, Louisville tried to be the team making a comeback. But despite finishing with a higher expected goal figure, more shots on target and a higher percentage of possession, Louisville ultimately fell short in a 2-1 loss.

IMAGES | Racing Louisville loses to Washington Spirit at Lynn Family Stadium

That is now back-to-back defeats for Racing, who was missing star midfielders Ary Borges and Jaelin Howell due to injury.

"I think the most important piece is not sounding any alarm bells," Racing Louisville FC head coach Bev Yanez said. "This is not alarming in any way, shape or form."

"It is upsetting we didn't come away with three points, but that does not mean I'm not very proud of the group," Racing Louisville FC defender Arin Wright said. "I think anyone here who watched the game on the broadcast or watched the game live knows that this team controlled that game. For us to not come away with three points, it's upsetting. But it's something to build on because that is the type of team we want to build on."

The trouble started early. Washington's Croix Bethune found the back of the net within the first five minutes to start digging the home side a hole. Following a missed penalty kick from Savannah DeMelo, Washington went up two goals thanks to an own goal credited to Lauren Milliet in the 34th minute. DeMelo redeemed the missed penalty kick later, pulling Louisville back within one before halftime with a brilliant free kick.

Few, if any, are better on free kicks than @RacingLouFC's Savannah DeMelo. pic.twitter.com/SJ3fsX76LL
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) May 11, 2024

"I want to score that PK and I put that pressure on me," DeMelo said. "I'm just glad I could get one back for us. But I need to be better in that area."

The second half continued to see Racing dictate the match. Rookie Emma Sears continued her impressive debut season, leading Louisville with 13 touches in Washington's box and tying for the team lead with four total shots.

She helped pace an attack that saw Louisville work for six shots in the Spirit's box while Washington did not register one second-half shot in Racing's. And Louisville's defense held star striker Trinity Rodman to zero shots for the game.

"I thought we did a lot more with intent," Yanez said of the performance in the second half. "We had purpose when we were sustaining possession higher up the pitch. And so for me, this is something that we need to continue to build on."

Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo.
CONNOR CUNNINGHAM

The problem is many are understandably growing frustrated when hearing about building or learning from results that are not wins. Racing currently has just one victory this season, compared to now two losses and five draws. Veteran defender Arin Wright and Yanez are trying to keep preaching positivity.

"Everyone makes mistakes," Wright said. "Even veterans make mistakes. When you do that, don't dig yourself into a hole. Turn around and do it again, because one of these times it's going to click, and then you're going to be on a roll. So, just keep going and take that moment and keep it up."

"You see belief, and when you see belief, you go back and you look at a game and you always go, 'What are the learnings for them,' Yanez said. "There are always learnings from the win, and there's always learnings from the loss. There's always learnings from a tie. We have to keep the belief, and we have to understand that we are still very much so headed in the right direction.

"People always look at the results first. For us, we need to understand the result, but we also need to understand why we were so good second half, why there was moments of brilliance first half, and get some to put these pieces together as quick as possible."