July 2, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Racing Louisville FC eyes a big kick
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: USA Today Sports Images)
Racing Louisville FC travels this weekend to Daytona International Speedway for a unique experience – an 8 p.m. Sunday match against the Orlando Pride on the infield at the race track.
The game is part of the first-ever Daytona Soccer Fest this Fourth of July weekend. The world famous NASCAR track, which is home to the Daytona 500, can seat more than 100,000 fans. In addition to the NWSL contest, the venue will host a concert, a friendly between two men’s Colombian clubs and a legends game featuring former international stars.
Prior to the international break, Racing rallied to draw the reigning NWSL champion Washington Spirit in dramatic fashion, snapping a three-game losing streak. With that result, Racing stands in ninth in the standings (2-4-3, nine points) ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Racing will be without a few players who are on international duty for various competitions in July. Nadia Nadim (Denmark), who scored twice in Louisville’s last match to secure the draw, along with defenders Emily Fox (United States), Rebecca Holloway (Northern Ireland) and Satara Murray (Jamaica) will miss at least three matches this month.
Orlando returns home in need of a win, coming off three straight losses by a combined 12-0 margin. The roster for the Pride is much different than last year, with Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, Taylor Kornieck, Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan all no longer with the team.
On top of its departures, the Pride also has multiple well-known players who will be unavailable for selection on Sunday. Brazilian midfielder Marta, Orlando’s creative engine for multiple seasons, suffered a season-ending knee injury during the NWSL Challenge Cup. Erin McCleod (Canada) and Gunny Jónsdottir (Iceland) are on international duty for the Concacaf W Championship and European Championship, respectively.
Last year, Racing and the Pride faced off four times, including the NWSL Challenge Cup opener, Racing’s first match as a club. The previous results have been split, with two draws and a 3-1 win for each team. Racing won the most recent meeting on October 16 at Lynn Family Stadium.
A win this weekend could push Racing as high as seventh in the NWSL standings, one spot out of the playoffs, which begin in October.
Sunday’s match against the Pride will be on CBS Sports Network.
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