May 19, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Savannah DeMelo’s curled-in free kick from 27 yards out stood as Racing Louisville FC’s game-winning goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over the first-place San Diego Wave at Lynn Family Stadium.
It was the rookie’s first goal of her professional career, and it beat one of the top goalkeepers in the world in Canadian national team keeper Kailen Sheridan, who was fully outstretched to her left but could only get her fingertips on the ball.
The win was Racing’s first of the season, and it came despite three expected starters missing the match because of COVID-19 protocols. Racing (1-1-2) also posted its first regular-season shutout, with goalkeeper Katie Lund making four saves, including a late goal-line stop to preserve the victory.
“You can really see the fighting spirit – everybody supports,” Racing coach Kim Björkegren said. “It doesn’t matter if you play 90 minutes or two minutes or nothing at all, everybody is there to support. I’m really proud of this group.”
For Racing, the result represented the breakthrough the team has been pushing for in regular season play. A 2-1 loss at Chicago to open the season felt unfair to the performance, which Racing felt was good enough to at least draw. The 2-2 tie at OL Reign in Seattle and the 1-1 draw at home against Houston both illustrated the squad’s mental toughness, with Racing rallying to score equalizers in each effort.
“It’s just such a relief getting those three points,” said midfielder Jaelin Howell, whose strong play in the midfield kept Racing on the front foot for long stretches of the game. “Once you break the seal, I feel like the next few points will come easier and easier. So, I think we’re all super excited. We work so hard for those three points, and we’re just going to build off that.”
Howell mentioned the 3-0 win over Kansas City in the NWSL Challenge Cup as a rallying reminder on Wednesday night – that was Racing’s…