Racing Louisville coach Bev Yanez kept the same starting lineup for tonight’s match at first-place Kansas City, sticking with the group that controlled much of its match last weekend vs. Washington but lost, 2-1, despite a furious second-half rally at Lynn Family Stadium.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast over the air on ION (find ION on your TV with this search tool) and streamed for free on ionnwsl.com. News Talk 1080 AM, talkradio1080.iheart.com and the iHeart Radio app will carry the radio broadcast.
Racing Louisville (1-2-5, 8 points) kicks off at 9:30 p.m. ET at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., with the chance to move back into playoff position with a win. The Current (6-0-3, 21 points) has not lost at home this season, with four wins in four outings, including three wins with four or more goals scored.
To combat KC’s high-powered offense, Racing turns once again to Abby Erceg to lead the back line. The veteran defender will wear the captain’s arm band with club captain Jaelin Howell sidelined by injury. Erceg has played every minute this season, ranking third in the NWSL in blocks per 90 minutes.
Next to Erceg, center back Arin Wright will make her sixth consecutive start since arriving this offseason via trade with the Chicago Red Stars. The 31-year-old Kentuckian has 25 clearances, 10 blocks and eight interceptions while playing every minute of the past five games.
Fullback Carson Pickett lines up out left, opposite right back Lauren Milliet. The pairing has started every game this season, with Pickett playing every minute and Milliet playing all but one. It will be Milliet’s 77th appearance for the club as one of its original signings.
The midfield three remains the same, with Savannah DeMelo operating ahead of the double pivot of Marisa DiGrande and Taylor Flint. It will be the second straight game with the duo starting together, though they also played 74 minutes (unofficially 94 minutes) together in the 1-1 draw at Gotham. DeMelo is aiming to add to her goal haul against Kansas City, against which the California native has scored three times across all competitions.
Up front, rookie standout Emma Sears is scheduled to make her third consecutive start as she works to continue an impressive start to her first year as a pro. She’ll be joined by Kayla Fischer, a fellow Ohio State alum, on the attacking flanks. The match will feature four Ohio State players in the same game, with KC’s Nichelle Prince and Izzy Rodriguez also former Buckeyes.
Elexa Bahr will start at forward, her ninth consecutive start since joining Racing. The Colombia international had a goal and an assist in her Louisville debut, becoming the first player in eight years to register a score and a helper in their first NWSL game.
The subs bench features Jordyn Bloomer and Olivia Sekany as the reserve goalkeepers. Defender Ellie Jean; winger Maddie Pokorny; and forwards Milly Clegg, Parker Goins, Uchenna Kanu and Reilyn Turner are also available.
Midfielders Howell, Jordan Baggett, Ary Borges and Yuuka Kurosaki; defender Elli Pikkujämsä; and forward Kirsten Wright were previously listed as out in the league availability report. Linda Motlhalo was a late scratch for Racing due to an illness.
Racing Louisville lineup at Kansas City Current
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
7 – Savannah DeMelo
9 – Kayla Fischer
23 – Elexa Bahr
Substitutes: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer (GK), 99 – Olivia Sekany; 5 – Ellie Jean, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 18 – Milly Clegg, 21 – Parker Goins, 29 – Uchenna Kanu, 66 – Reilyn Turner
