Racing Louisville battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw on the road against NJ/NY Gotham on Sunday evening. On a day missing three key players to injury, Louisville rode an inspired defensive effort and another clean sheet from goalkeeper Katie Lund to pick up a point. Lund made five saves to record her sixth shutout of the campaign. Center backs Abby Erceg and Julia Lester was immense in front of her as Racing extended its unbeaten run to four games.

“It was a tough week with the injuries. I’m proud of our team and how hard they worked,” said coach Kim Björkegren. 

The result moves Racing to within three points of the final playoff position with five matches remaining. They currently sit 8th in the table but have steadily closed the gap. After weathering early pressure, Louisville grew into the game and had the better of the play in the second half. 

Wang Shuang and Savannah DeMelo both came close to breaking the deadlock after the break. But the home side’s defense and keeper Mandy Haught kept Racing off the board. Thembi Kgatlana, back from the World Cup, forced a good save from Haught with a 77th-minute effort. Louisville also felt Kirsten Davis was fouled in the box late but no penalty was given.

“The back four had a really, really good game. Defensively we were a lot better,” said Captain Erceg.

Despite missing captain Jaelin Howell, left-back Carson Pickett and forward Nadia Nadim, Racing showed trademark resilience to earn a road result. Players like Rebecca Holloway and Julia Lester stepped up admirably in expanded roles. The team’s depth and culture shone through.

“Before we talk about anything, we need to make sure the effort is there,” noted Erceg.

While Louisville will rue missed chances to steal a win, the draw is still a positive result without three stars against a top side. Racing sits firmly in the playoff hunt with five games to go. The team’s steady improvement under Björkegren continues.

Home cooking awaits next Saturday as Racing hosts league-leading Portland, fresh off a World Cup triumph. The atmosphere at Lynn Family Stadium should be electric.

If Louisville can replicate the defensive solidarity and fight shown at Gotham, they can hang with the Thorns. This team now expects to compete with anyone in NWSL thanks to the system and culture Björkegren has built. Racing is on the rise and hungry to make club history.

Photo: NWSL LCC – Hannah Ally