Exciting forward Thembi Kgatlana is in line to make her first start in a Racing Louisville jersey, joining her team’s starting 11 for tonight’s 8 p.m. kickoff against the visiting San Diego Wave at Lynn Family Stadium.
The South African international star has made seven appearances across all competitions for Racing, coming on as a substitute for each occasion. She’ll now slide into the lineup for Racing on a pivotal night.
Kgatlana’s addition to the lineup is the only change from coach Kim Björkegren from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Washington, a match that saw Racing concede an early goal and fight back to level pegging, then defend while a player down for the final 25 minutes because of a red card. She replaces Paige Monaghan, who will feature off the bench.
For Kgatlana, the start isn’t just a milestone in her time with Racing. It’s also a marker in her long journey back from a torn Achilles tendon, which she suffered last July at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The injury occurred just days after her transfer to Racing was announced, delaying her arrival by months. Kgatlana completed her rehabilitation and recovery in Louisville once preseason camp started in January, and she made her first appearance on May 6 at Orlando.
A month later, Kgatlana will start for her club, leading the line alongside center forward Kirsten Davis and right winger Wang Shuang.
In the midfield, Racing is sticking with its go-to trio of captain Jaelin Howell, Ary Borges and reigning NWSL Player of the Month Savannah DeMelo. This will be the sixth match the three have started together, continuing to build one of the league’s most promising midfields with an average age of 23.7 years old.
Along the defensive line, the familiar foursome of left back Carson Pickett, right back Lauren Milliet and center backs Abby Erceg and Julia Lester will start the game.
Katie Lund will start her 38th consecutive regular-season match for the Louisville club.
Jordyn Bloomer, Jess McDonald and Nadia Nadim were all previously listed as out on the player availability report. Elli Pikkujämsä is suspended for tonight’s match
Racing Team Sheet vs. San Diego
1 – Katie Lund
16 – Carson Pickett
20 – Abby Erceg
15 – Julia Lester
2 – Lauren Milliet
6 – Jaelin Howell (c)
7 – Savannah DeMelo
8 – Ary Borges
11 – Thembi Kgatlana
22 – Kirsten Davis
77 – Wang Shuang
Substitutes: 99 – Olivia Sekany; 3 – Zaneta Wyne, 5 – Paige Monaghan, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 21 – Parker Goins, 25 – Rebecca Holloway, 27 – Alex Chidiac, 29 – Uchenna Kanu
