Gotham FC Edges Racing Louisville, 2-1

Racing Louisville FC gave the NWSL leaders a battle Friday night at Lynn Family Stadium, but an early second-half goal proved to be the difference as Gotham FC escaped Louisville with a 2-to-1 victory.

Gotham needed only eight minutes to grab the lead.

Jaedyn Shaw played a short corner that eventually found Guro Reiten, who struck a left-footed shot into the net for her first NWSL goal.

The goal also made Reiten the first Norwegian player to score in NWSL history.

But Racing Louisville responded quickly.

In the 17th minute, Courtney Petersen delivered a corner that struck the post. Kayla Fischer was there for the rebound, heading it home to bring Louisville level at one.

It was another big contribution from Fischer, who entered the night with a career-best 10 goal contributions this season.

The teams remained tied through the rest of the opening half, but Gotham wasted almost no time regaining the lead after the break.

In the 46th minute, Sam Kerr helped create the opportunity for Shaw, who finished for her second goal contribution of the night and put Gotham back in front, 2-to-1.

That goal ultimately stood as the game-winner.

Racing pushed for another equalizer during the second half and made several changes, including bringing leading scorer Emma Sears into the match in the 66th minute, but Louisville couldn’t find a second goal.

For Gotham, Shaw was the difference-maker, finishing with one goal and one assist. Reiten recorded her historic first NWSL goal, while Kerr picked up the assist on Shaw’s game-winner.

For Louisville, Fischer provided the lone goal, with the scoring opportunity originating from Petersen’s corner.

Gotham improves to 14-4-and-6 with 48 points, strengthening its position at the top of the NWSL table.

Racing Louisville falls to 7-15-and-2 with 23 points. It’s Louisville’s fourth consecutive defeat after losses to Chicago, San Diego and Angel City.

Racing will now get more than a week to regroup before heading west to face Bay FC on Sunday, September 20.

For the Indiana Soccer Network, Racing Louisville answers an early Gotham goal but can’t answer the second. Jaedyn Shaw finishes with a goal and an assist, Guro Reiten makes NWSL history, and Gotham takes all three points out of Lynn Family Stadium.