The Women's Cup 2021

Goal Five Attends Inaugural Women's Cup in Louisville

If I wasn’t there to see it in person I’m not sure I would believe it.

After 90+ minutes of regular time, the first ever Women’s Cup championship game entered into a shootout thanks to a final score of 2-2. Host team Racing Louisville FC lined up next to FC Bayern Munich on the half line in front of a crowd of nearly 8,000. Louisville was denied the first PK with a huge save from Bayern keeper Laura Benkarth. From there teams went back and forth with perfectly placed shots straight to the back of the net as well as massive saves from keepers on both sides. The penalty kicks reached the 5th round with no winner and soon the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, AND 10th field players all took their shots. It was still tied up with only one more player to go for both Louisville and Bayern - the keepers.

Louisville keeper, Katie Lund, making her debut, stepped up to the spot against Benkarth. She rocketed the ball up and to the right for a stunner of a goal. Lynn Family Stadium erupted and then quickly fell silent again as the two keepers swapped places. Benkarth positioned herself at the spot to shoot against Lund. She ran up, struck the ball to the left, and Lund dove to deny the last goal of the game.

The crowd finally took a breath, picked their jaws up off the floor, and presumed to go absolutely insane as Racing Louisville stormed their goalkeeper after winning the inaugural tournament 2(7) - 2(6). This was Racing’s first trophy for the city and they held it up proudly as they took a lap around the field thanking the fans. Truly, it was like something out of a movie.

It was great to see an NWSL team take the ‘ship, but more than anything it was amazing to see people come out in full support of women’s soccer. The environment was on fire. Literally, it was so hot outside. The city of Louisville pulled out all the stops for The Women’s Cup and the competitors did not disappoint. Thankful to have been there for it and already looking forward to next year!

Check out our IG story highlights for a full recap of the day!

- Chelsea Fishman, G5 Digital Marketing Manager