The Washington Spirit’s failure to capitalize on a wealth of opportunities turned costly Friday when Racing Louisville, a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team without any marquee players, parlayed two late goals at home into its first victory, 2-0.
The opening strike, by a Louisville native and former Louisville Cardinal, was of supreme quality in the 76th minute. The second came on a swift counterattack five minutes later in front of a purple-clad crowd of 6,011 at Lynn Family Stadium that included U.S. national team coach Vlatko Andonovski.
The Spirit (0-1-1) had massive advantages in shots (29-8), shots on goal (10-3), corner kicks (13-3) and possession percentage (60-40).