Two regular starters re-entered Racing Louisville’s lineup on Saturday for the 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff against the Portland Thorns at Providence Park.
Midfielders Ary Borges and Wang Shuang will start for Racing after either missing the previous match at Angel City or beginning the game on the substitutes bench. The duo started the first two matches of the season for Louisville.
To make room for the returning starters, Racing (0-0-3, 3 points) shifted its setup in a few areas.
Elli Pikkujämsä, traditionally a central defender, will move back to her natural position after starting the first three games as a defensive midfielder. Rebecca Holloway, who started the first three matches at center back, shifts to the substitutes bench.
Ary’s return will partner her with captain Jaelin Howell and Savannah DeMelo in Racing’s midfield three, with Kirsten Davis, Jess McDonald and Wang Shuang leading the line ahead of them.
Kayla Fischer, who started at Angel City, will be available off the bench. Also notable on the bench is Julia Lester, who makes the subs group for the second straight game after missing most of the preseason with an ankle injury.
Goalkeeper Katie Lund will start her 30th consecutive game as Racing’s No. 1, a stretch that extends to the 2021 season. The club’s all-time appearances leader, Lauren Milliet, will make her 35th straight start for Racing.
Forward Uchenna Kanu, still working her way back from a knock suffered on international duty, will not dress vs. Portland. Nadia Nadim, Thembi Kgatlana, Emina Ekic and Jordyn Bloomer were all previously listed as out.
Racing Louisville Team Sheet at Portland
1 – Katie Lund
16 – Carson Pickett
20 – Abby Erceg
4 – Elli Pikkujämsä
2 – Lauren Milliet
6 – Jaelin Howell (c)
7 – Savannah DeMelo
8 – Ary Borges
77 – Wang Shuang
14 – Jess McDonald
22 – Kirsten Davis
Substitutes: 99 – Olivia Sekany; 3 – Zaneta Wyne, 5 – Paige Monaghan, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 15 – Julia Lester, 21 – Parker Goins, 25 – Rebecca Holloway, 27 – Alex Chidiac, 44 – Satara Murray
