LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Maybe it was the weather delay. Maybe it was the rain-soaked turf. Maybe it was just time.
But when Sarah Weber’s looping header found the net late Friday night, it felt like something more than just a game-winner.
Could it be a corner turned?
In its fifth season, Racing Louisville FC has been chasing more than just wins. It’s been chasing an identity — one of confidence, cohesion, and contention for an NWSL playoff spot. And with Friday’s 3-2 victory over the Utah Royals in Lynn Family Stadium, Racing didn’t just climb to fifth in the league table. It hit five league wins on the season — just two shy of the franchise’s all-time high, with 15 matches left to play.
And its recent run is starting to feel less like a hot streak and more like a statement.
“Getting the three points is all that matters, and I think it’s massive for us to get them especially in front of the home crowd,” assistant coach Mitch Sowerby said after guiding the club while head coach Bev Yanez completed a high-level licensing course. “. . . We know what we are. We know who we are. We just keep pushing to be better.”
The latest win marked four in the last five matches — the best five-game stretch in club history — and again featured unlikely heroes. Defender Ellie Jean scored her first pro goal. So did Weber, whose 85th-minute header broke a tie and brought Lynn Family Stadium to life.
There was belief, Jean said, even after Utah equalized twice.
“Especially once they went down, we knew we were going to have the upper hand,” Jean said. “It’s just about having that belief — we have the momentum, what can we do, how can we get them under pressure, how can we get that goal? We’re always going to believe in ourselves until the whistle blows.”
What’s most notable isn’t that Racing is winning. It’s how.
They’re pressing higher. Playing faster. Punishing mistakes. And perhaps most importantly, finishing games — something that eluded them in years past.
Emma Sears continued her standout season with a thunderous strike in the ninth minute, bringing her to six goals on the year — one off the league lead. Jordyn Bloomer made six saves in goal. Taylor Flint won more tackles than any other player on the pitch.
The stats back up the improvement: 36 touches inside the opposing box. A 1.9 expected goals tally. And a season-high 20 shots.
“The vibe of the team is just so electric, honestly,” Weber said. “The commitment to excellence from everyone on our team day in and day out at practice — it’s not surprising we’re getting results. We're doing the dirty work in practice and just committing to the game plan and sticking to it and yeah, it's working, so keep doing it.”
There’s a long way to go, and Racing knows that. Next weekend brings a road test against first-place Kansas City. But the trajectory here isn’t hard to follow.
Racing Louisville didn’t just steal three points Friday night. They earned them. And more than that, they offered a glimpse — maybe the clearest yet — of who they are becoming.
And that’s a team that, perhaps, is putting itself in real position to play meaningful soccer when autumn arrives.
“One game at a time,” Sowerby said. “See what the league looks like come the end of the week. But honestly, for us … what's next? Try not to keep our focus on the results on the leaderboard, but on the process. Keep getting better, sharpen tools. Next up is Kansas City.”
More Sports Coverage:
Spencer County gets spirited sendoff as baseball team departs for state tournament
Louisville baseball in spotlight as Cards host sold-out NCAA Super Regional
BOZICH | Louisville baseball has surpassed Miami -- and here's the proof
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
