Sensational rookie forward Emma Sears is set to make her first NWSL start for Racing Louisville tonight, moving into coach Bev Yanez’s starting lineup for a much-anticipated showdown against red-hot Orlando at Inter&Co Stadium in central Florida. A newcomer to Racing this year, midfielder Marisa DiGrande is also ready to start for the first time in lavender.
Through matchweek No. 6, Sears ranked first in the NWSL in dribbles completed, goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, shot-creating actions per 90, shots on target per 90 and successful dribbles per 90. She was tied for fourth in progressive carries and ranks 22nd in the league in total carrying distance despite having 40 fewer dribbling attempts than anyone else in the top 25. Her 100-plus-meter dribble down the left flank last Sunday at Gotham set up Reilyn Turner’s go-ahead goal in a 1-1 draw.
Racing hopes Sears, one of three changes to Yanez’s lineup from the Gotham game, can tap into that magic again in the City Beautiful. Sunday’s match will be streamed on NWSL+ for free with a sign-up. Fans can access NWSL+ online at plus.nwslsoccer.com or via the app on Apple, Fire or Roku services. News Talk 1080 AM or online at talkradio1080.iheart.com, and the iHeart Radio app will carry the radio broadcast.
Racing Louisville (1-0-5, 8 points) has yet to trail in a match this season in 540-plus minutes of game action, moving into sixth place after last weekend in the race for one of eight spots in the NWSL Playoffs. Orlando (4-0-3, 15 points) pushed into second place in the NWSL standings with a mid-week win over fifth-place North Carolina, stunning the Courage 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium for its fourth straight win.
To get a result against the Pride, Racing will rely on a front line that features Sears alongside Louisville’s two goal scorers in the season-opening 2-2 draw against Orlando, forwards Elexa Bahr and Uchenna Kanu, whose four goals are tied for third in the league. Bahr was the first player in eight years to register a goal and an assist in her NWSL debut start, with Orlando’s Barbra Banda matching the feat last weekend vs. Washington.
The midfield is reconfigured with injuries to Ary Borges (knee) and Savannah DeMelo (concussion protocol). DiGrande, who played 74 official minutes but closer to 100 total minutes with stoppage time at Gotham last weekend after coming for the injured captain Jaelin Howell, who is available today off the bench. Taylor Flint once again starts in central midfield after playing every minute of the first six matches and posting MVP-level numbers. Second-year midfielder Kayla Fischer steps into DeMelo’s spot in the central midfield, making her third start of the season.
The back line and goalkeeper remain unchanged: From left to right, it’s Carson Pickett, Abby Erceg, Arin Wright and Lauren Milliet, with Katie Lund in goal. Erceg will wear the captain’s arm band in Howell’s place.
The subs bench features Jordyn Bloomer as the reserve goalkeeper alongside defender Ellie Jean; midfielders Howell, Jordan Baggett and Linda Motlhalo; winger Maddie Pokorny; and forwards Parker Goins and Reilyn Turner.
Borges was added to the availability report on gameday after picking up a knock late in training Saturday that worsened overnight. DeMelo, midfielder Yuuka Kurosaki, defender Elli Pikkujämsä and forward Kirsten Wright were previously listed as out in the league availability report.
Racing Louisville lineup at Orlando
1 – Katie Lund
2 – Lauren Milliet
3 – Arin Wright
20 – Abby Erceg (c)
16 – Carson Pickett
14 – Marisa DiGrande
26 – Taylor Flint
13 – Emma Sears
9 – Kayla Fischer
29 – Uchenna Kanu
23 – Elexa Bahr
Subs: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer (GK); 5 – Ellie Jean, 6 – Jaelin Howell, 10 – Linda Motlhalo, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 21 – Parker Goins, 66 – Reilyn Turner
