:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69773173/i_vFLHJfj.0.jpg)
Match Info:
Who: Kansas City NWSL vs. Racing Louisville
When: Wednesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. CT
Where: Legends Field | Kansas City, Kansas
Watch: Paramount+
Listen: Sports Radio 810 WHB
Kansas City NWSL returns home to host Racing Louisville. It is the third time the two new teams meet this season and the first time in Kansas City. Louisville won 3-1 on August 8th and the two teams played to a scoreless draw in May.
Racing Louisville (4-6-4, 16pts) are just five points out of a potential playoff spot and have not lost in their last three games. After defeating Kansas City, Louisville earned a pair of 1-1 draws against NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Racing also beat Chicago and FC Bayern Munich in penalties to win The Women’s Cup, a four team tournament played in Louisville.
Kansas City (1-10-4, 7 pts) won their first match 1-0 over OL Reign on the 14th at home before losing 4-0 at North Carolina on Saturday. Kansas City dominated most of the stats against the Courage, out shooting, shooting on goal, possessing, passing and more. A mistake-prone defense doomed Kansas City as the Courage’s talented front line all scored.
It is expected Adrianna Franch will make her debut with Kansas City. Franch was recently acquired from Portland in exchange for Abby Smith and allocation money. Franch has been one of the best keepers in NWSL and should be the solid, high level keeper Kansas City has desired.
Availability:
Kansas City
OUT: Rachel Corsie (right ankle), Taylor Leach (left foot), Jordyn Listro (right thigh), Arielle Ship (right lower leg- SEI)
QUESTIONABLE: Chloe Logarzo (right foot)
Louisville
OUT: Cheyna Matthews (left leg), Addisyn Merrick (left ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: Julia Ashley (right ankle)
Keys to the game:
Kansas City has been creating opportunities but not finishing. They have outshot most of their recent opponents but have only scored two goals in their last six matches. The game winning goal against the Reign was a deflection that fell to Victoria Pickett. Her shot deflected off the keeper into the goal. KC absolutely NEEDS to be more clinical in front of goal.
On the other end, Kansas City needs to be far better on defense. Kristin Edmonds has converted from winger to outside back and to center back. She is a talented and versatile player but she has not had the experience to build the center back instincts. With team captain Corsie listed as out, having an experienced and vocal Franch in goal to lead the defense will be called upon to help solidify the backline.