February 27, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
CALI, Colombia – Jordan Baggett scored a highlight-reel goal and Savannah DeMelo converted a penalty to help Racing Louisville top Colombian power América de Cali, 2-0, in Tuesday’s semifinals of The Women’s Cup at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero.
Racing advanced to The Women’s Cup Colombia final, set for 8:30 p.m. ET Friday against NJ/NY Gotham, which beat Deportivo Cali in the earlier semifinal. It’s the third appearance in The Women’s Cup final for Racing in three appearances at the tournament.
“I’m very proud of this group,” Racing coach Bev Yanez said. “We talked about it coming into the game, being ready to compete and understand where we’re at in preseason, giving us an opportunity to play a very good opponent. What are we doing well? Where can we continue to improve? For us, it’s about starting on the right foot come the start of the season and how we continue to progress through the year. I’m proud of them controlling what they could control.”
Racing put in a complete performance, limiting América de Cali to two half-chances and forcing its goalkeeper into a number of quality saves on the other end. The Louisvillians controlled the midfield and dominated possession, seeing out a comfortable win.
Baggett set the tone early, smashing in a volley from the edge of the box off a clearance. The Colorado native earned Player of the Match – La Jugadora del Partido – for her performance, with confident passing and smooth movement through the center of the field.
“It’s an unbelievable goal,” Yanez said. “She just puts herself in good spots. She has an incredible work ethic both in and out of possession, and she’s just constantly in tune.”
DeMelo nearly added a second two minutes later, when she cut in from the left and required a good save on a right-footed curling shot from 17 yards out.
In the 32nd minute, rookie forward Emma Sears found herself 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but her shot was parried over the bar.
Coming off an NWSL Best XI second-team season last year, DeMelo looked in form in Cali, winning a penalty in the 52nd minute and tucking her shot into the left side netting two minutes later.
Racing Louisville FC vs. América de Cali
The Women’s Cup Colombia semifinal
Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET kickoff
Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero
Cali, Colombia
Racing Louisville (1, 1, 2)
6′ Jordan Baggett
54′ Savannah DeMelo (penalty)
América de Cali (0, 0, 0)
Racing Louisville…