Winger Emma Sears is slated to rejoin Racing Louisville’s starting lineup for tonight’s pivotal 7:30 p.m. encounter with the Kansas City Current at Lynn Family Stadium.
The introduction of the Ohio native represents the only change to Bev Yanez’s lineup from last Saturday’s match at Utah. Sears reclaims her starting role on the right flank, making her first home league start since June 29. She moves into the lineup and Taylor Flint sits out due to yellow card accumulation.
The rematch of the May thriller between Louisville and KC will be broadcast on WAVE’s Bounce TV (channel 3.2). Fans can also stream it on the free NWSL+ app or via plus.nwslsoccer.com. You can listen to the match on Sports Talk Radio 790 AM, online at 790louisville.iheart.com or via the iHeart app.
Racing Louisville (6-9-7, 25 points) currently sits in ninth position, just below the playoff cutline, after an away loss to the Utah Royals. A win tonight, coupled with losses by Bay FC and/or Portland Thorns, could catapult the Louisvillians back into playoff position.
In her 100th NWSL appearance, Marisa DiGrande will slide back to the base of the midfield, partnering with Ary Borges to form the double pivot. Savannah DeMelo, Louisville’s all-time leading scorer, shifts from out wide to the attacking midfield role with DiGrande’s repositioning. DeMelo last started at the No. 10 position on June 29 against Bay FC.
Coming off another top goalkeeping performance on the road, Katie Lund keeps her place between Racing’s sticks for the 23rd time this season. She has played every minute of the past three seasons.
Abby Erceg, who wears the captain’s arm band for the seventh match running, is joined by Arin Wright in the middle of the back four. Courtney Petersen makes her fourth successive start at left back since her trade to Louisville, while the dependable Lauren Milliet occupies the right back spot in her 91st career league appearance in lavender.
In attack, Janine Beckie operates on the left wing, opposite Sears. Beckie found the back of the net twice earlier this season for Portland against the Current, including one that was nominated for the NWSL’s Goal of the Week. Bethany Balcer spearheads the attack, having notched two goals in her last two starts at Lynn Family Stadium.
The versatile forward Kayla Fischer, the leader in chances created for Racing last time out, headlines the available substitutes. Fischer’s seven chances created are tied for the second-most on the team since Aug. 24 behind DeMelo.
Fischer will be accompanied on the bench by reserve goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer; defenders Ellie Jean and Ángela Barón; midfielder Linda Motlhalo; forwards Elexa Bahr, Milly Clegg and Parker Goins; and winger Maddie Pokorny.
Defender Elli Pikkujämsä; midfielders Flint and Jordan Baggett; and forwards Uchenna Kanu and Kirsten Wright were all previously listed as out in the league availability report.
Racing Louisville lineup vs. Kansas City Current
1 – Katie Lund
2 – Lauren Milliet
3 – Arin Wright
20 – Abby Erceg (c)
11 – Courtney Petersen
8 – Ary Borges
14 – Marisa DiGrande
13 – Emma Sears
7 – Savannah DeMelo
16 – Janine Beckie
88 – Bethany Balcer
Substitutes: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer (GK); 5 – Ellie Jean, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 10 – Linda Motlhalo, 15 – Ángela Barón, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 18 – Milly Clegg, 21 – Parker Goins, 23 – Elexa Bahr
