Racing Louisville FC forward Emma Sears will return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s visit to the Utah Royals.
Kickoff at America First Field is set for 8 p.m. ET. The game will stream on Victory+, with local radio coverage on Sports Talk 790 AM.
Sears came off the bench for the first time this season in last week’s win over the Portland Thorns, sealing the victory with a stoppage-time goal. The United States Women’s National Team forward leads Louisville with five goal contributions — two goals and three assists.
With forward Sarah Weber missing out due to injury, Kayla Fischer will start at center forward for Louisville. Macey Hodge will start for a fourth time this season, supplanting Fischer in the midfield.
Elsewhere, head coach Bev Yanez has opted for a consistent starting lineup from last week’s win.
Ella Hase, who led Louisville last week with seven crosses, starts on the wing opposite Sears, in support of Fischer.
Katie O’Kane, who scored twice in last week’s win including the NWSL Goal of the Week, starts in midfield. In addition to her two goals, O’Kane was involved in 10 shots last week with seven shots and three chances created.
Taylor Flint joins O’Kane and Hodge. The NWSL’s leader in interceptions (29) tallied three in the win over Portland.
The backline remains unchanged. Right back Lauren Milliet, who crossed the 10,000-minute mark in her NWSL career last week, is set for another milestone Sunday: 10,000 minutes with Racing Louisville. She’ll hit the mark after 32 minutes played, becoming the first player to play 10,000 minutes with Louisville — equivalent to roughly 111 90-minute games.
Captain Arin Wright and Courtney Petersen continue their partnership at center back, with second-year pro Quincy McMahon making a second straight start at left back.
Jordyn Bloomer starts in goal after making three saves against Portland.
On the bench, Makenna Morris is available after starting last week.
Team sheet at Utah Royals
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
12 – Quincy McMahon
8 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
2 – Lauren Milliet
26 – Taylor Flint
10 – Macey Hodge
20 – Katie O’Kane
6 – Ella Hase
9 – Kayla Fischer
13 – Emma Sears
Available substitutes: 1 – Maddie Prohaska; 4 – Makenna Morris, 11 – Taylor White, 15 – Mirann Gacioch, 16 – Maja Lardner, 19 – Avery Ciorbu, 21 – Rachel Hill, 23 – Macy Blackburn, 88 – Audrey McKeen
