Photo courtesy of the NWSL

Racing Louisville FC showed flashes Saturday night, particularly in the second half, but not enough to earn its first win of 2026.

Racing, down some key players due to injury, fell 2-1 to Seattle Reign FC at ONE Spokane Stadium in Spokane, Wash.

The result was sparked by two first-half goals from the Reign. Maddie Mercado would strike first 10 minutes in with her second goal in five days, sliding it past Jordyn Bloomer. Nérilia Mondésir followed, doubling the Seattle advantage minutes before halftime.

Louisville, down two goals at the end of the opening period, showed significant improvement going forward in the second frame. The reward was too little, too late, however, as rookie Macy Blackburn scored the visitors’ lone goal in the fourth and final minute of second-half stoppage time. It was Blackburn’s first goal of her professional career.

“I think, obviously, (I’m) disappointed to not walk away with any points,” head coach Bev Yanez said. “… It’s difficult going into halftime 2-0 down, speaking in regards to like there’s still a full half to play plus. So, to come out, take it up a notch, and put ourselves in the best position...