Racing Louisville coach Bev Yanez previews the upcoming home contest against expansion side Bay FC, the first-ever contest between the two clubs, and talks about what she took from the road trip out west.
The Louisvillians (3-4-7, 16 points), who are one of only three clubs with double digits goals scored and less than eight conceded on home turf in the NWSL, return to Lynn Family Stadium after two matches on the West Coast.
Racing showed its resilience away from home in the most recent match, battling Seattle Reign FC to a draw after going down a player and a goal within the first 10 minutes. The point kept Louisville in eighth position — above the playoff cutline.
“We’ve learned a lot,” said Racing coach Yanez. “The last game in specific, the mentality and how the group stepped up in the scenario that we were in early on I think showed a lot about them. Tactically the group was very engaged. I think it shows their leadership. I think it shows their belief.”
Bay (5-9-0, 15 points) has won three of its last five matches, two of which were in San Jose. Last time out on June 22, the Northern California outfit clinched a season sweep over its rivals to the south, Angel City FC.
“Obviously, we haven’t played Bay yet so we’re really excited about our findings from a scout perspective and where we feel that we can put our stamp on this match,” said Yanez. “They’re a very respectable side, they’re a very hard working side, so we have to show up and compete for firsts and seconds. We have to show up and ensure that we are continuing to use the momentum that we feel we built.”
