Coming off a historic 2025 regular season, Racing Louisville FC now sets off into uncharted waters: the NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel.
Head coach Bev Yanez elects to make just one tweak to her lineup for the club’s first-ever playoff match away at the Washington Spirit Saturday afternoon, inserting rookie forward Sarah Weber as the starting No. 9.
Weber, who has scored in two of her last three starts, takes the place of Kayla Fischer at the top of Louisville’s attacking line.
The first-year forward out of Nebraska started in the most recent encounter at Washington on Aug. 15: a 2-2 draw. She’ll be supported on the wings by the usual suspects — Ella Hase on the left and Emma Sears out wide right.
It was Hase’s first professional goal last weekend versus Bay FC that sealed Racing’s first-ever playoff berth. Hase and Sears have combined to create 11 chances over the last four matches.
Jordyn Bloomer will anchor the defensive unit in goal, with Saturday being her 21st start for the club this year. The 28-year-old’s 79 saves were the third-most among goalkeepers during the regular season. The back line ahead of her, which held Bay scoreless last week, remains the same. Janine Sonis and Lauren Milliet are slated to take up the full back roles, while Ellie Jean and captain Arin Wright provide the stability in the center.
Taylor Flint sits just in front of the defense, alongside Ary Borges and rookie Katie O’Kane in the midfield. Borges’ first career NWSL goal came against this very Spirit team back in 2023, when her left-footed strike helped capture a draw at Lynn Family Stadium.
Yanez will have plenty of game-changers at her disposal on the bench, including forwards Bethany Balcer and Kayla Fischer. Balcer has found the back of the net twice all-time against Washington while a member of Seattle Reign FC. They’ll also be accompanied by Courtney Petersen and Marisa DiGrande, two experienced league veterans.
The match, which will kick off at noon at Audi Field, will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Fans can listen on the radio via local coverage on SportsTalk 790 AM.
Team Sheet at Washington Spirit
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
16 – Janine Sonis
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
2 – Lauren Milliet
26 – Taylor Flint
8 – Ary Borges
20 – Katie O’Kane
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Available substitutes: 77 – Madison White; 9 – Kayla Fischer, 11 – Courtney Petersen, 12 – Allie George, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 88 – Bethany Balcer
