April 28, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release
Racing Louisville forward Emma Sears (right) vs. NJ/NY Gotham
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: USA TODAY Sports Images)
HARRISON, N.J. – Racing Louisville forward Reilyn Turner scored the go-ahead goal five minutes into stoppage time, but NJ/NY Gotham’s Rose Lavelle tied the match 90 seconds later in a frenetic finish to a 1-1 draw at Red Bull Arena on Sunday night.
The result continued Racing’s undefeated start to the 2024 season, with the six-match unbeaten streak the longest in the young club’s history. Louisville has not yet trailed this season. The club also maintained its undefeated road record at Gotham in five games in northern New Jersey.
“Coming away from playing as good a side as Gotham, we feel like we could have been better in possession in particular, and we’re fully aware of that,” said Racing coach Bev Yanez. “I think for us, it’s continuing to showcase our processes in areas that we can. Getting a point on the road and staying undefeated is important for us.”
Racing Louisville (1-0-5, 8 points) maintained its hold on sixth place in the NWSL standings, two spots inside the new eight-team playoff cut line. The Louisvillians did so with a cagey performance in a physical match.
Gotham was whistled for 20 fouls, the most for any NWSL team this season and tying the league’s all-time record. Racing blocked 12 Gotham shots. It was the fourth time in six matches that Racing has kept the opposition from scoring in the first half, the top mark in the NWSL.
Louisville defender Carson Pickett kept the shutout going when she cleared a shot from Gotham’s Crystal Dunn off the goal line in the 49th minute.
The game finally opened up in stoppage time. Turner and fellow rookie Emma Sears provided a significant boost off the bench once again, with Sears running roughshod down the left flank.
On Turner’s goal, Sears took off with the ball from just outside Racing’s defensive penalty area. The Ohio State grad beat five defenders on her way to the end line before ripping a low cross in that was deflected to Turner, who backheeled in her second goal of the season.
“Emma’s energy that she brings is unstoppable, and whenever she gets a ball, I know we’re going to get something off of it,” Turner said. “Just knowing that she’s going to go end line and make something happen, I was just lucky to be there and tap it in.”
Off the restart, Gotham pushed forward, and a high cross into Racing’s…