Bay FC is getting ready for this Saturday to host Racing Louisville in San Jose, a game that will shake up the NWSL standings. Fresh from a convincing away win against Portland Thorns, Bay FC will be looking to record its first multi-goal win this season. With a roster full of new additions and high morale, the California team sees the matchup as an important opportunity to start setting some concrete playoff aspirations.
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Meanwhile, Racing Louisville takes to the pitch seeking to rebound from the painful defeat by a margin of 3-2 at Seattle Reign in a match in which, even with goals by Ary Borges and Taylor Flint, it wasn't able to stop Seattle's offense. But the story between Bay FC and Louisville goes way beyond the numbers, as in the last occasion in which both teams met, Bay FC walked away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty kicked by Asisat Oshoala. Now, Racing is hungry for revenge and looking to turn the tables.
Bay FC: Rising and New Talent
Bay FC has been proving that it's ready to fight until the very end for a playoff spot. Currently eighth in the league, the team keeps ahead of the pact and in the race for a postseason spot. Perhaps one of its bright spots has been Rachel Hill. A goal and assist in the last game have pretty much cemented her in the starting lineup, making her a key piece in Bay's offense.
With the inking of Penelope Hocking, acquired from the Chicago Red Stars, there is a promise of even more firepower being added to the already blazing offense. Hocking is due to make her debut this Saturday, and her presence on the field may turn out to be that one last ingredient the team needs to seal yet another home victory.
Abby Dahlkemper finally made her regular season debut in the last match and did not disappoint as she scored the opening goal in Bay FC's 3-1 win over Portland. With such reinforcements and confidence so high with the team, Bay FC is well-placed to repeat the same performance as in the last time they met with Louisville.
Racing Louisville: Resilience and Determination
On the other side, Racing Louisville does have a few things to contend with. For one, yellow card accumulation will ensure that the suspension of midfielder Savannah DeMelo is felt. Having scored five goals and made two assists this season, DeMelo has been one of the top figures in the team's success this year. However, Racing isn't left with nothing in return as Uchenna Kanu-who is tied with DeMelo as the team's top scorer-will present Bay FC's biggest threat.
Alongside Kanu comes Bethany Balcer from Seattle Reign, adding experience and finishing ability to Racing. Without DeMelo, too, Racing have the roster to give some headaches to Bay-especially in the air, as was the case with the headed goals by Borges and Flint in the last match.
Bay FC's defense will have to be on its toes, though, as Racing has proven they can create ample opportunity, outshooting Seattle in both total shots and expected goals. Louisville will have to clean it up on the defensive side of the ball, though, as inconsistent defense has been a sore spot all year.
The Playoff Battle
Because only two points separate Bay FC from Racing Louisville in the table, the matchup carries massive weight. Bay FC sits in eighth, with Louisville coming in tenth. A win on Saturday equates to so much more than three points to either team, as it might mean the difference in securing a playoff spot or another year of frustration.
A Bay FC win would keep the pressure on with teams above them and continue to be the surprise of the season, while for Louisville moving ahead of Bay in the table would go a long way toward the club's first postseason appearance in team history.
While DeMelo's absence might weigh on their minds, this season, Racing has shown that they are a resilient team, able to respond when things get tough. The team needs to draw on their ability to continue creating chances and the strength of their attack as they look to turn around the result of their last encounter.
The Advantage of PayPal Park
Bay FC will have the home-field advantage, coming out of PayPal Park, where the support of their fans could make all the difference. But Louisville is determined to turn what could be hostile into an opportunity to shock their opponent and climb the standings.
Bay FC has been unpredictable at times with upsets in big wins, while at the same time unexpected stumbles. Their record is 7-0-11, so the challenge will be how to maintain consistency-something that will be put to the test against a determined Racing Louisville.
Meanwhile, Louisville comes into the match with a record of 4 wins, 7 losses, and 7 draws, showing a team that, despite its challenges, has managed to scrape out important results on the road.