With a playoff berth on the line, Racing Louisville FC head coach Bev Yanez has made two changes to the starting XI for Friday’s date with the Chicago Stars.
Racing could clinch its first playoff berth this weekend with a win. To do so, Louisville would also need the Washington Spirit to defeat the North Carolina Courage on Saturday and Angel City FC to either defeat or draw the Houston Dash on Sunday.
Sarah Weber returns to the starting XI after stepping away on an excused absence last week. The rookie slots in as Louisville’s center forward. She scored in her last outing, a 1-0 win over Angel City FC on Sept. 27.
Kayla Fischer, meanwhile, drops into the midfield after scoring and registering an assist in last week’s 3-1 win at North Carolina while starting as the center forward in Weber’s place. Fischer replaces Taylor Flint in the Louisville midfield. Flint is unavailable for Friday’s game due to suspension for yellow-card accumulation.
The second change comes on the backline. With Makenna Morris nursing an injury, Lauren Milliet will make her return to the starting lineup at right back, her first start since June 20. Louisville’s all-time appearance leader, Milliet had started 107 straight NWSL regular-season games before an injury in July put her on the sidelines.
Janine Sonis, who had started in Milliet’s place the last 10 games, will move to left back. She will keep the captain’s armband, with club captain Arin Wright available off the bench after recovering from a leg injury.
Louisville remains unchanged otherwise.
Emma Sears will start for the 24th time this season, with the ink still drying on a new contract that will keep the United States Women’s National Team star with Louisville through the 2028 season. She scored twice in last week’s win, reaching the 10-goal mark. She remains the only Racing player to start every game this season.
Ella Hase will start opposite her on the left flank. The rookie has started every game since July’s international break.
Katie O’Kane and Ary Borges retain their places in the midfield, joining Fischer. The pair combined to win possession seven times last week.
The center back pairing of Courtney Petersen and Ellie Jean starts together for the fourth game running.
Jordyn Bloomer maintains her place as Louisville’s starting goalkeeper. She made three saves at North Carolina, including one nominated for NWSL Save of the Week.
On the bench, Wright is available for the first time since Sept. 16. Midfielder Marisa DiGrande and forward Bethany Balcer, who recorded an assist last week, provide experienced options.
If Racing does not clinch this weekend, the club still has two games remaining in the regular season, at Gotham FC on Oct. 19 and at home versus Bay FC on Nov. 2.
The game is Youth Sports Night. Groups of 10 or more can get their team photo on the video board. For tickets and more information, visit RacingLouFC.com/youth.
NWSL+ will carry streaming coverage of the game, with local radio coverage airing on Sports Talk 790 AM.
Team Sheet vs. Chicago Stars
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
16 – Janine Sonis (c)
11 – Courtney Petersen
5 – Ellie Jean
2 – Lauren Milliet
8 – Ary Borges
20 – Katie O’Kane
9 – Kayla Fischer
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Available substitutes: 33 – Cristina Roque, 77 – Madison White; 3 – Arin Wright, 12 – Allie George, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 88 – Bethany Balcer
