What happened to the NWSL's biggest surprise after last season's breakthrough? | OneFootball

They were celebrating last October. It was their first postseason berth in franchise history. Racing Louisville FC had finally broken through in the standings.

Now it just a few short months, they are at the bottom of the NWSL standings.

They have lost five straight since the middle of May. They have won twice this season, and it has been a rough season after a franchise-making year in 2025.

The main issue has been a part of Racing since its inception.

The team has no doubt started strong in games this season and in the past. But they continue to suffer defensively as the games go on.

They cannot seem to get out of their own way and sustain success later in games.

Early in the season, they lost because of late goals and costly penalties, which put them behind the eight ball as the season went on.

They have goal scorers such as national team player Emma Sears, but have been unable to give them the best looks throughout the season.

Prolific goal scorers Emma Sears and Taylor Flint have only two goals apiece this season

They need to find more ways to put the pressure on, especially if they get down quicker than they wish. Goalie Jordyn Bloomer can only do so much.

The last game at home is a microcosm of the season. Last Friday, they lost to Bay FC, 2-0. They had kept the pressure on during the early parts of the game

They did not perform the right chances and seemed to lose their way as the game progressed.

This is despite having four corners in the game. But the difference may have been in possessions. Bay FC held the ball for over 60% of the game.

If Racing is hoping to turn this around or at least start playing respectable soccer, they will need to find a way to possess the ball faster.

They have the talent to win. Sears is a star, and Flint, along with the likes of Lauren Milliet, has the talent to take risks and find the back of the net. But it just has not come yet.

Head coach Bev Yanez was the much-deserved coach of the year last season after leading them to the playoffs. She pushed the right buttons to get them over the hump.

Now, to save this season and move up in the standings, she will need to push even more levers for the rest of 2026.