Racing Louisville FC made history on Saturday afternoon as they hosted the Utah Royals in the first NWSL match ever with two former NWSL players as coaches. The game ended with a 5-1 victory for Racing, marking their first win of the 2024 season under head coach Bev Yanez. The match took place in front of their largest crowd yet, with 11,365 fans packing into Lynn Family Stadium to witness the action.
Nigerian forward Uchenna Kanu opened the scoring for Racing in the 26th minute, securing her fourth goal of the season and setting a new record for the most goals scored so far in the 2024 NWSL season. Although the Royals managed to equalize with a goal from Olivia Griffitts just before halftime, Racing came back strong in the second half. Forward Savannah DeMelo scored a brace within 10 minutes, propelling Racing to a 3-1 lead and ultimately contributing to their 5-1 victory.
DeMelo expressed her excitement after the match, describing the special feeling of securing the win for both the fans and head coach Bev Yanez. She emphasized the positive team atmosphere and the desire to continue performing well. Racing rookies also made a significant impact on the game, with Reilyn Turner and Emma Sears both scoring their first professional goals and contributing to the 5-1 victory.
Head coach Bev Yanez expressed her pride in the team’s hard work and dedication, highlighting their breakthrough performance and the significance of achieving this milestone in front of a record-breaking crowd. The 5-1 win marked the highest number of goals scored in Racing Louisville’s club history, and the team’s first victory of the season after a series of draws. Racing Louisville now sits fifth in the NWSL standings and will aim to build on this success as they prepare to face Gotham FC on April 28.
The victory against the Utah Royals not only marked a historic moment in Racing Louisville FC’s history but also showcased the team’s potential and ability to compete at a high level in the NWSL. With the leadership of head coach Bev Yanez and standout performances from players like Uchenna Kanu and Savannah DeMelo, Racing Louisville has demonstrated their strength and determination moving forward in the 2024 season. Fans can look forward to more exciting matches and continued success as Racing Louisville aims to climb the NWSL standings and make a mark in the league.
