After years of mid-table finishes, Racing Louisville has made the NWSL playoffs for the very first time since joining the league in 2021. The team earned a 1-0 win over Bay FC to secure a seventh place
finish on decision day.
Racing finished in ninth place in all of their previous four seasons, missing the playoffs by only one spot in 2023.
“I’m so incredibly excited for this group,” said head coach Bev Yanez. “We’ve trusted the process the whole time and we believe that we’ve really put our stamp on the season in regards to our identity, the character that we’ve shown.”
The club went into decision day with their fate in their hands. If they won, they were guaranteed to get into the playoffs. They could also have gotten into the playoffs with a draw or tie if the North Carolina Courage lost to NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Racing pulled into the lead just after halftime with a goal by 23-year-old rookie Ella Hase, and kept their lead until the end of the game.
“I’m just so proud of this group,” Yanez said.“All aside, they’re very special. They’re special people. They care a lot about the city. They care a lot about the club.”
Yanez said it was special to be able to secure their playoff spot during a home game. “It’s extra special to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in club history, and to do it at home and celebrate with our home fans and all those that have been supporting us this entire time,” she said.
Louisville will play an away game against the Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals.
However, Yanez was clear that just because the team secured a playoff spot, it didn’t mean her job was done. “There’s more in the tank,” she said.
