The Starting Line: A Racing supporter's guide to this weekend’s slate of games!
What needs to happen this week for Racing to stay in the playoffs? Guest writer and Racing capo Brandon Condra takes us through the scenarios!
You may know Brandon Condra as the Lavender Legion’s lead capo, but this week he’s joining us to walk Racing Louisville fans through all of the action happening this weekend across the NWSL and what it could mean for Big Purp!
The NWSL & You
Hello. fellow Racing Louisville fans. There are only four weeks left in the season and RLFC is in the thick of a playoff race. So here is a rundown of the games this weekend, and what we need to happen to improve our chances of making a playoff run!
Friday, October 4
Match: Chicago Red Stars at Houston Dash, 8 PM
Houston’s playoff chances are, in fact, dashed.
Chicago however sits in sixth place— just four points above us on the table. So let’s hope for some more Yuki Nagasato magic and hope she can extend her goal streak to three consecutive games and give Houston a draw or even a win and keep the Red Stars within striking distance at 29 points.
Playoff implications: Anything but a Dash win mathematically eliminates Houston from the playoffs.
Match: Angel City at Seattle Reign, 10 PM
Both teams sit below Racing on the table, and we would love to keep it that way. Seattle has more ground to gain though, so let’s cheer for Jaelin Howell to get three points and keep ACFC well behind us.*
Playoff implications: Seattle can be eliminated from the playoffs with a draw or a loss and certain results in three other games by Chicago, Portland, and Bay.
*This was written before Angel City was docked three points for salary cap violations. In essence, it doesn’t change very much. A draw is probably in Racing’s best interest now because it will keep both teams further down the table. ACFC is now in roughly the same position as Seattle now.
Saturday, October 5
Match: San Diego Wave at North Carolina Courage, 7 PM
Short and sweet: We don’t want the Wave to win. And that’s a pretty solid bet with the way the Courage play at home (8 Wins, 2 Draws, 0 Losses).
Playoff implications: The Courage clinch a playoff spot with a win. San Diego draws Racing in points with a win, but will stay below us in the standings due to goal differential. That’s dangerously close with games winding down, though.
Match: Bay FC at Gotham FC, 7:30 PM
WE NEED BAY FC TO LOSE!! THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW! And it’s pretty likely. Gotham has four wins, one draw, and one loss (to Orlando which can be forgiven) since the Olympic break. They also have a 2-0 win at Bay back in May.
Playoff implications: BAY FC NEEDS TO LOSE to stay within reach at 28 points.
Match: Utah Royals at Portland Thorns, 10 PM
You did us dirty last weekend, Utah! Do us a solid and win this one to keep Portland from gaining points.
Playoff implications: Anything but Utah winning eliminates them from the playoffs. Portland losing potentially opens up another playoff berth if they keep dropping points in these final matches.
Sunday, October 6
Match: Washington Spirit at Orlando Pride, 5 PM
Oh, you’re still reading?! Thank you! This game means nothing to us. But it is the top two teams in the league playing. And, oh yeah, if Orlando wins, they clinch the shield.
Playoff implications: Both teams are already playoff bound.
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Great post, Brandon!