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NWSL news: ACFC shock Wave under new leadership, Spirit complete comeback

By Caden Charpentier

Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola (16) kicks the ball while San Diego Wave FC forward Melanie Barcenas (25) defends during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Angel City FC defender Mary Alice Vignola (16) kicks the ball while San Diego Wave FC forward Melanie Barcenas (25) defends during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo (7) controls the ball during the first half against New Jersey/New York Gotham FC at Lynn Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo (7) controls the ball during the first half against New Jersey/New York Gotham FC at Lynn Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

NWSL news: Savannah DeMelo continues her tear to propel Racing Louisville to vital victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC at home

A little over a month ago, Racing Louisville had won their first match. Now, the Kentucky side is one of the most confident in the league, taking their UKG Challenge Cup success and turning it into points in the regular season. With the 2-0 triumph over a struggling NJ/NY Gotham FC side, Racing is now unbeaten in eight out of their last nine across all competitions.

Against one of the best road teams in the NWSL this season, Kim Björkegren’s squad were on the verge of breaking through within the first 10 minutes by way of Thembi Kgatlana. The South African was sensational throughout her 83 minutes on the pitch, the most she has had in the American top flight since 2018. The work in the first half that she did was rewarded almost immediately. Racing’s No. 11 has scored her first goal since recovering from her torn left Achilles tendon minutes after the whistle began the second 45 minutes. She led her side in successful take-ons, and total shots.

Savannah DeMelo was the other X-factor on the pitch for the team in purple and black. The USWNT hopeful netted the opening goal of the match through pure hustle, getting up off the ground to strike the ball into the bottom right corner. DeMelo is now one of six players across the league with seven or more goal contributions. She has contributed to four goals in the last five matches.

As a sophomore in the league, the former USC midfielder has made her mark as one of the most dynamic in the final third. She has the ability to score in a plethora of ways in addition to having the vision to play the ball between the lines of a defense. Her status at the World Cup is still up in the air, but whether or not she makes it, it is quite evident, her impact for her national team is going to be felt for years to come.

Gotham had their respective chances as Lynn Williams accounted for seven shots with three on target, but for the second contest out of the last three, the New York side was shutout. Once Kelley O’Hara mashed her open header off the post, it was clear the away team just did not have it in front of that. The northeast side may have had more shots and possession, but they lacked that creativity and instinct in front of the goal that was desperately needed to get back on track.

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