On Friday, Racing Louisville opened the Challenge Cup against the Kansas City Current. Racing drew first blood, but the Current was able to capitalize off a mistake in the back and draw even.
Kansas City started the match pressing hard and trying to break through Racing’s defenses early. This left Racing shaky and unable to hold possession through the first fifteen minutes. In the 20′, however, Cece Kizer charged from deep within Racing’s own half, passed to Jessica McDonald while continuing her run, and immediately received it back. Kizer was able to redirect McDonald’s cross into the back of a net with a single touch to put Racing on top.
The goal invigorated Racing and they were able to pick up the pace and maintain better possession. For the rest of the half, Kansas City had a number of looks, but only two really dangerous chances. First, when Kristen Edmonds took a shot from the top of the box that ultimately ricocheted off the crossbar. Second, late in the half, Victoria Pickett was unable to control a ricocheted ball and sent it off the near post.
The pace slowed down a bit in the second half. Kansas looked increasingly dangerous as the half went on and it ultimately paid off. Racing held off the Current until the 78′ when an errant pass from Gemma Bonner went right to the feet of Addie McCain who was able to find the back of the net. Even after Lynn Williams left the field due to injury and dropped Kansas City down to nine, Racing was unable to capitalize. In fact, they very nearly gave up another late goal that was barely saved by Bonner after Lund went to the ground.
By The Numbers
All in all, Kansas City had many more shots, although most were not particularly threatening. The Current ultimately had 24 shots with nine on goal. Luckily, Racing’s goalie Katie Lund was up to the task and made seven saves. Racing, conversely, continued their worrisome trend from last year of not generating enough shots. They had only eight shots total with…
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