Match Preview: Quarterfinal showdown between Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville at Rowdy Audi Field
For Racing, reaching the quarterfinals is a victory in its own right, but don’t expect the postseason newcomers to be satisfied with one-and-done.
It was the best year in Racing’s history, with the team setting club records for wins (10), points (37), and road victories (5). And the emotional heartbeat of the team has been Head Coach Bev Yanez. In her second year, Yanez led the team through it all and, of course, to their first playoff appearance.
The linchpin in the Louisville offense has been Emma Sears. She became the first Racing player to score 10 goals in a season, and during the international break before Decision Day, she went on a tear, scoring her first-ever hat trick for the U.S. Women’s National Team. If Louisville can get Sears involved in the action, the offense will be a force to reckon with.
A defense of veterans, including Taylor Flint, Janine Sonis, Arin Wright, Lauren Milliet, and Ellie Jean, have helped set the tone, along with back-up-keeper-turned-started Jordyn Bloomer. Sonis has also been crucial to Racing’s set pieces, taking 56 corner kicks. She also leads the team with assists, so look to Sonis to feed balls through to the offense.
With five clean sheets, the Racing defense is capable of shutting down offensive pressure, but as the season wore down, Racing saw a dangerous trend of conceding late-in-the-game goals.
The last time these two teams faced off, Louisville nearly pulled off the upset at Audi Field, but conceded the equalizer in 90+10’. They’ve proven they have what it takes to go up against the best in the league. But to walk out of D.C. with a W, Racing’s defense will need to hold strong until the final whistle.
Check out the 2025 NWSL Playoffs Hub.
TUNE IN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 12PM ET ON CBS
