Versatile attacking threat Kayla Fischer makes her return to Racing Louisville’s starting XI for Sunday’s 5:30 p.m. season finale against San Diego Wave FC at Lynn Family Stadium.
The Ohio native’s entrance represents one of two changes to Bev Yanez’s lineup from last Saturday’s late win over Portland Thorns FC. The other being center back Ellie Jean, who will play alongside captain Abby Erceg.
Louisville’s sixth league match against San Diego will be nationally broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streamed on ESPN+. You can follow the radio broadcast of the game on News Talk 1080 AM, online at talkradio1080.iheart.com or the iHeart Radio app.
While Racing has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, Louisville (7-11-7, 28 points) is looking to close its 2024 season with back-to-back wins.
Coming off a six-save shutout performance against the Portland Thorns, Katie Lund anchors the Racing defense in net once again. Erceg and Jean will pair to play ahead of Lund. The club’s all-time minutes leader Lauren Milliet takes up the right back role, opposite Courtney Petersen.
On the heels of an impressive first stint with the U.S. Women’s National Team, Emma Sears slots out wide right, where she previously tied for the team lead in shots against San Diego. On the opposite flank, Canadian international Janine Beckie keeps her place on the left wing, having already notched a game-winning assist vs. the Wave this season while a member of the Thorns.
Bethany Balcer spearheads the frontline in her 10th match since joining Louisville via trade on Aug. 19.
Ahead of Fischer in the pocket behind Balcer, last week’s goal scorer Taylor Flint partners with Marisa DiGrande in the midfield double pivot.
Brazilian midfielder Ary Borges headlines the available substitutes for Racing. She’ll be joined by reserve goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer; defenders Ángela Barón and Arin Wright; midfielder Linda Motlhalo; forwards Elexa Bahr, Milly Clegg and Parker Goins; and winger Maddie Pokorny.
Defender Elli Pikkujämsä, midfielder Jordan Baggett and forwards Uchenna Kanu and Kirsten Wright were all previously listed as out in the league availability report. DeMelo was previously listed as questionable.
Racing Louisville lineup vs. San Diego Wave
1 – Katie Lund
2 – Lauren Milliet
5 – Ellie Jean
20 – Abby Erceg (c)
11 – Courtney Petersen
14 – Marisa DiGrande
26 – Taylor Flint
13 – Emma Sears
9 – Kayla Fischer
16 – Janine Beckie
88 – Bethany Balcer
Substitutes: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer; 3 – Arin Wright, 8 – Ary Borges, 10 – Linda Motlhalo, 15 – Ángela Barón, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 18 – Milly Clegg, 21 – Parker Goins, 23 – Elexa Bahr
