LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Since its inception, Louisville City FC has made soccer fans' dreams come true for the state of Kentucky. Now, a new team has come to town and is looking to make a name for itself at Lynn Family Stadium.

Racing Louisville FC kicked off its National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season Saturday against the Orlando Pride. It was a big day for the city of Louisville but a bigger day for women as top-tier professional sports return back to the 'Ville.

“It was incredible, the lights, the sounds, the fans, it was unreal honestly," said Brooke Hendrix, Racing Louisville FC defender. "It kind of took my breath away at first cause I was so excited and nervous all day and then we got here and it felt like home from the first step."

For the first time since the 70's, the Derby City will have a top-tier professional sports franchise as Louisville launched the NWSL expansion team. The last team to exist was the Kentucky Colonels basketball team in 1976.

“The opportunity to see professional sports in Louisville and on top of that, it's the women who in soccer are the best in America. We consider it a historical moment, definitely historical just to support not just professional sports but women in sports,” Julie Embry and Trish Blair, fans of Racing Louisville FC said.

Even though pandemic restrictions prevented a full house, nearly 5,300 fans were in attendance at Saturday’s match.

“The fans have been tremendous from the very get go. We've tried to build a very good relationship with them and try to understand what they want to see from the team and make sure we have a genuine relationship. The energy they brought to the players after they scored the first goal and feel that it was a very special moment for everyone involved,” Christy Holly, Racing Louisville FC head coach said.

The energy continued throughout the match, as Brooke Hendrix scored on the free kick to end the game in a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Orlando Pride.

“We came out to support our girls, number one always, but we expect excellence, we're used to excellence with soccer in Louisville, we're spoiled,” Michele Wilkinson and Kailey Coursey, Racing Louisville FC fans said.

It was a memorable night not only for the players but the fans cheering them on.

“It’s inspirational because little girls all over Louisville are going to see these women play and want to play soccer,” Embry said.

Racing Louisville FC played its first game at Lynn Family Stadium in front of a sold out crowd. Exhibition matches continue for the next few weeks and the regular season begins May 15. Tickets can be purchased here.