NWSL news: Gotham jump to third, Taylor Kornieck salvages draw for Wave, week 15 roundup

NWSL news: Racing Louisville use Paige Monaghan’s stunner to beat Kansas City at home and move into seventh position

Just two points separate Kim Björkegren’s Racing Louisville and a playoff spot. In front of their home fans, Racing enjoyed 26 shots compared to the Current’s six. Adrianna Franch, who was back in goal for Kansas City for the first time since May 14 was asked to come up with save after save. More often than not, she did, but when Paige Monaghan swung her right boot around just after halftime, she stood no chance.

It was almost as if the soccer gods were trying to reward the former Gotham FC attacker who unselfishly laid the ball off for Kayla Fischer and Kirsten Davis in the final minutes of the first half. The former Louisville defender Addisyn Merrick knew she made to respect Monaghan’s speed, but she ended up giving too much space up in front of her. That strike was not only her second goal in as many matches, it put to bed Racing’s two-game winless streak in the league.

The only time the Current have beaten an opponent’s keeper in the last two contests was by way of a penalty. The last goal from live action came against the Orlando Pride when Cece Kizer scored in first-half stoppage time.

Racing’s defense wanted to rewrite their wrongs from last week. Giving up a two-goal lead with under 10 minutes to play is a tough pill to swallow. Katie Lund did not have to do much between the sticks because Louisville controlled the tempo of the game in the middle of the par. Twenty-two tackles for the home side compared to just nine for KC. Racing was constantly distributing play which kept the Current at bay from the 10th minute on.