Racing Falls in TWC Colombia Final

March 2, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release

CALI, Colombia – Racing Louisville took an early lead in The Women’s Cup Colombia final but fell, 3-1, to NJ/NY Gotham FC on Friday night at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero.

Rookie attacker Reilyn Turner broke open the scoring in the ninth minute. Fellow rookie Emma Sears’s hustle forced a poor clearance from Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller that fell to Turner, who whistled a shot past Miller from close range to put Racing in front.

Two second-half goals from forward Esther Gonzalez claimed the lead for Gotham, which added a third in the 75th minute off a deflected cross by Kelley O’Hara.

“We came to Colombia and got two quality games as a part of our preseason preparation,” said Racing coach Bev Yanez. “It’s a great opportunity to assess where we are, what areas are going well and where we can be better. It’s a process; things don’t happen overnight. We keep pushing and continuing to grow in a positive direction. We want to peak at the right time and progress as a group in preparation for the start of the 2024 season.”

Friday’s match was Racing’s third time in The Women’s Cup final in as many appearances. Louisville won the inaugural tournament in 2021 at its home, Lynn Family Stadium.

Racing now returns to home soil for its final week of preparation before the 2024 NWSL campaign begins in earnest on March 16 against the Orlando Pride.

The Louisvillians will take on the Chicago Red Stars in one final preseason exhibition on Saturday, March 9, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Racing Louisville FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC

The Women’s Cup Colombia final

Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff

Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero

Cali, Colombia

Racing Louisville (1, 0, 1)

9′ Reilyn Turner

Gotham (0, 3, 3)

46′ Esther Gonzalez

64′ Esther Gonzalez (Katie Stengel)

75′ Racing own goal

Racing Louisville (4-2-3-1): 1 – Katie Lund; 16 – Carson Pickett, 20 – Abby Erceg (c), 3 – Arin Wright, 2 – Lauren Milliet; 19 – Jordan Baggett (70′ 14 – Marisa DiGrande), 26 – Taylor Flint; 66 – Reilyn Turner (57′ 21 – Parker Goins), 7 – Savannah DeMelo, 9 – Kayla Fischer; 13 – Emma Sears (84′ 17 – Maddie Pokorny)

Coach: Bev Yanez

Gotham (4-2-3-1): 38 – Cassie Miller; 5 – Kelley O’Hara (c) (71′ 21 – Sam Hiatt), 25 – Maycee Bell (89′ 24 – Mandy Freeman), 77 – Maitane Lopez, 3 – Bruninha; 14 – Nealy Martin, 17 – Delanie Sheehan; 13 – Ella Stevens, 28 – Katie Stengel (89′ McKenna Whitham), 18 – Yazmeen Ryan…