Racing Louisville coach Bev Yanez on Friday previewed the upcoming nationally televised home match against the reigning NWSL champions NJ/NY Gotham FC, an opponent the Louisvillians will see for a third time in 2024, and spoke on the significance of the club’s participation in Ali Day, a celebration of global icon Muhammad Ali.
Saturday afternoon will be the first match of two for Racing (3-2-6, 15 points) set to be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes this month. Going into the weekend, the Louisvillians are positioned right in the mix of the playoff race — seventh position — one point behind the sixth-place Chicago Red Stars.
“Another opportunity to continue to push where we believe we’re at,” said Yanez. “We played them now three times, including the preseason match in Colombia, so (it’s) continuing to take our learnings from having played against them and areas that we feel like we can continue to expose them and areas that we feel like we can continue to stop their threats.”
Gotham (6-2-3, 21 points) heads to Louisville on a seven-match unbeaten streak that began with the 1-1 draw against Racing in New Jersey on April 28. The 2023 NWSL champions have allowed just four goals away from home this season, tied for the best mark of any NWSL club.
Saturday is set to be a special day at Lynn Family Stadium. Racing Louisville FC and the nonprofit Muhammad Ali Center have joined forces to put on Ali Day, a celebration of the impact and life of Louisville native and global boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Following the contest, fans are encouraged to stick around and visit the Louisville Juneteenth Festival located in the stadium’s Purple Lot.
“Incredibly inspiring person that we are so excited to celebrate here,” said Racing head coach Yanez. “What he means to the city and what he means to the world is truly touching. For us to be able to support him, to use his legacy and hopefully continue to carry that on with hopefully a very good performance.”
