The National Women’s Soccer League has named Racing Louisville FC’s Emma Sears and Lauren Milliet to its August Best XI, presented by Amazon Prime, the league announced today.
Sears and Milliet were instrumental in Racing’s high-powered attack throughout the month, as the duo combined for six goals and seven assists across six August matches. The two started in each of those six contests, helping lead Louisville to a new club-record four-game win streak in August.
Racing is among just three teams to have two players named to this prestigious monthly Best XI, along with the North Carolina Courage and the league-leading Gotham FC.
This marks the third instance in the last two seasons that two Louisville players have earned a Best XI distinction in the same month. Sears and Janine Sonis were the last to do it in October/November of last year.
Sears scored two braces in August within a three-game span to bring her career total to three, becoming the first Racing player with more than one in their career. Her two goals at the Orlando Pride on Aug. 7 moved her into sole possession of the club’s all-time regular-season scoring record (22).
Overall, the Ohio State University product ended the month with five goals and two assists. North Carolina’s Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh were the only other players to record at least five goals and one assist during the month.
“Emma has really flourished in her new role within our team, and it’s allowed us to consistently put her in dangerous positions,” head coach Bev Yanez said. “When she gets into 1v1 situations and has the opportunity to shoot with either foot in and around the box, she’s incredibly dangerous. The role has created more opportunities for us to find her in those moments, and it’s exciting to see her continuing to grow, gain confidence and flourish.”
Milliet, the last player remaining from Racing’s inaugural 2021 campaign, compiled one goal and five assists in 515 minutes played in August. Of the five assists, four of them set up a Sears goal. She finished the month as one of two players with at least four assists, alongside Utah Royals FC’s Cloé Lacasse.
She broke two Louisville assist records in the process, setting new milestones for both single-season (6) and all-time assists (12).
“I’m excited for Lo (Lauren) to receive her first-ever monthly Best XI selection,” said Yanez. “She works incredibly hard for this team and has stepped into a new role for the group, embracing the responsibility and excelling throughout our run of games. She brings so much to our group in attacking transition, and tactically is sound. She continues to work hard to understand the expectations within her role and continues to make an impact wherever and however she can.”
The NWSL Best XI of the Month is voted by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers who cover the league, and broadcast talent.
Read more on the NWSL’s August Best XI.
Sears, Milliet and Racing are back in action tomorrow night, when the club hosts Angel City FC at 6:30 p.m. ET at Lynn Family Stadium. For tickets and further information, visit RacingLouFC.com/arts.
NWSL August Best XI, presented by Amazon Prime
GK – Ann Katrin-Berger, Gotham FC
D – Janine Sonis, Denver Summit FC
D – Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC
D – Sarah Gorden, Angel City FC
D – Lauren Milliet, Racing Louisville FC
M – Croix Bethune, Kansas City Current
M – Mina Tanaka, Utah Royals FC
M – Kat Rader, Houston Dash (Rookie of the Month)
F – Ashley Sanchez, North Carolina Courage (Player of the Month)
F – Evelyn Ijeh, North Carolina Courage
F – Emma Sears, Racing Louisville FC
Coach of the Month: Mak Lind, North Carolina Courage
