If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Racing Louisville FC head coach Bev Yanez selected the same starting lineup for the third-consecutive game Saturday as her side visits BMO Stadium in Los Angeles for a 10 p.m. kickoff against Angel City FC.
The decision comes during a stretch of strong performances for Racing. The club had won two straight games before a hard-luck, 1-0 loss to Seattle Reign FC at home last week. Racing dominated the Seattle game in every aspect other than the scoreboard, racking up season highs in shots (20) and passes (404) while holding 62% of possession.
Notably, defender Arin Wright is set to become the 13th player in NWSL history to eclipse the 15,000-minute mark Saturday. The 32-year-old for Kentucky Wildcat needs to play just 58 minutes to reach the milestone. She’s played every minute of Racing Louisville’s season to this point.
Wright is part of a back four with Courtney Petersen, Ellie Jean and Lauren Milliet that remains unchanged for the fifth-straight game. The group conceded just four shots in the loss to Seattle.
They’ll play in front of Jordan Bloomer, who makes her fourth-straight start in goal. The 27-year-old former Wisconsin Badger boasts an 85.7% save percentage — 12 saves on 14 shots.
Taylor Flint, Savannah DeMelo and Katie O’Kane occupy the midfield once again. The trio combined for 12 of Racing’s 20 shots last week, with O’Kane claiming Racing’s only shot on target on the day.
Janine Sonis, Emma Sears and Kayla Fischer start as the attacking trident for Racing once again. Sonis and Sears both made news this week by being called up to their respective national teams, Canada and the United States, respectively for the upcoming international break.
As with the starting lineup, the bench is also unchanged. Of the nine available substitutes, five are rookies.
Team Sheet vs. Seattle Reign FC
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
11 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
2 – Lauren Milliet
26 – Taylor Flint
20 – Katie O’Kane
7 – Savannah DeMelo
16 – Janine Sonis
13 – Emma Sears
9 – Kayla Fischer
Substitutes: 71 – Maddy Anderson; 4 – Elli Pikkujämsa, 6 – Ella Hase, 12 – Allie George, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 15 – Ángela Barón, 29 – Uchenna Kanu, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 42 – Sarah Weber
