NWSL Results: Louisville get three points from trio of goals against Kansas City

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Two games this Sunday to round out a weekend of NWSL see KC still winless.




Racing Louisville 3, Kansas City 1



The Skinny: Finishing was the name of the game in Louisville, and Racing came to play. Kansas City had a good stretch in the beginning of the game but couldn’t capitalize and it continued to be a back and forth battle until near the end of the first half. It was good buildup play down the left hand side that culminated in Savannah McCaskill getting a cross to the top of the six for Ebony Salmon to side foot home. Five minutes minimum of stoppage time was added on to the first half. With another stoppage taking some of that up, play continued for eight minutes of stoppage time, allowing Kansas City to find an equalizer just before the break. It was a parried shot from Mallory Weber that fell kindly for Darian Jenkins, who was able to hit it in from close range.




Louisville came out of halftime disappointed to concede that goal but eager to push for more. That drive got them the go-ahead goal ten minutes later. McCaskill, with her second assist of the night, played in another good cross, this time brilliantly redirected by Nadia Nadim for her first Racing goal.

NADIA NADIM!!! It's her first ever goal for Racing Louisville and they retake the lead! McCaskill with another quality cross in a dangerous area, redirected into the net by a streaking Nadim #LOUvKC | 2 – 1pic.twitter.com/N3SEZhzv9Z
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 8, 2021

Both teams made several substitutes who brought a lot of energy to the match but it was Cheyna Matthews who would add a late insurance goal. It was terrific individual work rate to dispossess a KC defender on top of the 18 and calmly dribble around the keeper for another first goal in fleur-de-lis. Kansas City made a late push that created some chances but it was too little too late.




One Key Moment: The goals in this match will likely get the most glory, but Michelle Betos continues to be absolutely essential to this expansion side. The veteran captain not only makes difficult saves but makes important ones in important moments, like the end of a match. A fantastic leader with a lot of fight, she made eight saves on the day.

Most saves, most clutch = @MichelleBetos #LOUvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/JFXFL7wAZ8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 8, 2021

Inside the Game: Overall, the general stats were relatively even, except for shots on target. Racing had only three shots on target, but converted all three, meanwhile KC had nine and only converted one. Kansas City are still winless through this entire season and if they are ever going to win, they have to figure out how to convert their chances. They are creating opportunities but continuously failing to put them in the back of the net. Meanwhile, the goalscorers that Racing have brought in are starting to find their rhythm with the team and are making a visible impact.




The Goals:

1. Racing Louisville — Ebony Salmon (Savannah McCaskill), 43′
2. Kansas City — Darian Jenkins, 45’+8′
3. Racing Louisville — Nadia Nadim (Savannah McCaskill), 55′
4. Racing Louisville — Cheyna Matthews, 86′

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