Racing Louisville secures playoff hopes with 2-1 win over Angel City
- Racing Louisville defeated Angel City 2-1, with goals from Bethany Balcer and Janine Beckie.
- The win ended Louisville's two-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive.
- Angel City has now lost two straight matches and sits just one point behind Louisville in the standings.
On Saturday, Racing Louisville faced Angel City at Lynn Family Stadium, where they secured a crucial 2-1 victory. The match began with Angel City taking an early lead through Meggie Dougherty Howard's rebound goal in the 18th minute. However, Louisville responded quickly, with Bethany Balcer equalizing in the 26th minute, marking her fifth goal of the season. The turning point came in the 68th minute when Janine Beckie scored the go-ahead goal, her first since joining Louisville from the Portland Thorns last month. This victory was significant for Racing Louisville, as it ended a two-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive. With this win, Louisville improved their record to 5-8-7, placing them in ninth position in the National Women’s Soccer League standings, just below the playoff line and three points behind eighth place Bay FC. The team’s performance was a much-needed boost after recent struggles. On the other hand, Angel City, now with a record of 6-11-3, has faced two consecutive losses, putting them just one point behind Louisville in the standings. The defeat highlighted their ongoing challenges as they aim to improve their position in the league. Beckie expressed her relief after the match, emphasizing the importance of the points for their playoff aspirations. The victory not only lifted the team's spirits but also showcased their determination to fight for a playoff spot as the season progresses.