Racing Louisville FC will feature the same starting XI for the second-straight game Friday night at the Washington Spirit, the second of a three-game road trip.
The 8 p.m. kickoff will stream nationally on Prime Video, with local radio coverage on Sports Talk 790 AM.
Last week, Racing led for about 50 minutes, but conceded an own goal in stoppage time on the road at the defending NWSL champion Orlando Pride, salvaging a point in the 1-1 draw. Head coach Bev Yanez has elected to keep the same starting lineup after that result.
Jordyn Bloomer retains her place in goal after her history-making performance last week. She became the first player in NWSL history to save two penalty kicks in the same game, earning the NWSL Player of the Week and Save of the Week awards.
The back line remains unchanged for the third-game running. Janine Sonis continues to fill in for the injured Lauren Milliet at right back. Ellie Jean starts at center back, with the ink on a newly announced contract still drying. She’ll pair with captain Arin Wright, while Courtney Petersen will play at left back.
Marisa DiGrande starts for the second consecutive game after scoring Louisville’s lone goal last week. Friday marks her first set of consecutive starts this season, after being a regular last year.
Taylor Flint and Savannah DeMelo start alongside her.
In the attack, Sarah Weber remains the starting center forward. It’ll be the rookie’s fifth start in the last six games for Racing.
Fellow rookie Ella Hase starts for a third-straight game in her newfound position of attacking winger, after playing fullback in the first half of the campaign.
U.S. Women’s National Team star Emma Sears, who has started every game this season, will play opposite Hase on the flank.
The only changes to Racing’s squad come on the bench: Madison White steps in for Cristina Roque as the second choice goalkeeper, while Ángela Barón returns from international duty with Colombia. Uchenna Kanu is not available due to a knee injury.
Team sheet at Washington Spirit
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
11 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
16 – Janine Sonis
26 – Taylor Flint
14 – Marisa DiGrande
7 – Savannah DeMelo
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Substitutes: 77 – Madison White; 8 – Ary Borges, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 15 – Ángela Barón, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 20 – Katie O’Kane, 31 – Katie Scott, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 88 – Bethany Balcer
