WESTFIELD, Ind. – Kayla Fischer, Kirsten Davis and Paige Monaghan each scored goals to help Racing Louisville rally from a two-goal deficit to top the Chicago Red Stars, 3-2, on Saturday in a friendly just north of Indianapolis.
Monaghan’s header midway through the second half proved to be the game-winner in the tune-up game between NWSL sides.
“It was not the best start to the game,” Racing coach Kim Björkegren said. “The pitch was different from what we’re used to and we had some trouble controlling the ball, but I still think we can do better. We gave away too many 50-50 situations. We were struggling a little bit and they went up 2-0, but the team spirit is still amazing, We did much better in the second part of the first half and played well in the second half to get the win.”
Racing’s starting lineup put in a roughly 70-minute shift, while Chicago’s first team came out at halftime. Both teams were missing several key players because of ongoing international competitions.
Chicago opened the game on the front foot, netting two goals in the first 20 minutes thanks to significant pressure on Racing. Jenna Bike and Penelope Hocking scored for the Red Stars.
Louisville grew into the game around the midway point of the first half, producing a number of chances and eventually Fischer’s goal, which halved Chicago’s lead in the 31st minute.
Fischer, the rookie midfielder, collected the ball 30 yards from goal, turned to her left, cut back to her right at the edge of the area and curled in a 20-yard effort to the top right corner, drawing cheers from the small crowd on hand at the Grand Park Sports Campus turf field.
“It was a really good goal,” Björkegren said. “She’s good when she finds that pocket.”
Davis tied the game about 15 minutes into the second half, knocking in a loose ball off a corner. Monaghan scored the go-ahead goal a few minutes later.
Racing will be practicing at home this week as preseason training camp continues, now working toward a Feb. 26 scrimmage against the University of Louisville.
Fans can follow preseason games via the club’s social media accounts, where any live streaming details will be posted if available.
Racing Louisville FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
Saturday, 3 p.m. kickoff
Grand Park Sports Campus
Westfield, Ind.
Racing first-half lineup (4-3-3): Katie Lund; Carson Pickett, Abby Erceg, Julia Lester, Lauren Milliet; Jaelin Howell, Savannah DeMelo, Kayla Fischer; Paige Monaghan, Kirsten Davis, Wang Shuang
Racing second-half lineup (4-3-3): Katie Lund (Kelsey Daugherty); Carson Pickett (Rebecca Holloway), Abby Erceg, Julia Lester, Zaneta Wyne; Lauren Milliet (Ella Sanchez), Jaelin Howell (Abbey Burdette), Savannah DeMelo; Paige Monaghan, Kirsten Davis (Parker Goins), Wang Shuang
