Targeting a strong first half finish to the 2025 NWSL season, head coach Bev Yanez elected to make one change to her Racing Louisville FC lineup for Friday’s 8 p.m. clash against the reigning league champion Orlando Pride at Lynn Family Stadium.
The single alteration sees Brazilian Ary Borges, who hasn’t made a start for Racing since April 27, take the place of rookie Katie O’Kane in the midfield. It’ll be Borges’ 41st Louisville appearance, which moves her past Emily Fox for seventh all-time in club history.
The 25-year-old will be accompanied by Savannah DeMelo and the NWSL’s leader in total interceptions, Taylor Flint, in the middle of the park. DeMelo has two goals to her name against Orlando, one of which was scored at Lynn Family Stadium in 2022.
For the seventh time running, Jordyn Bloomer earns the nod between Racing’s posts. She’ll sit behind the familiar back four of Arin Wright, Ellie Jean, Courtney Petersen and Lauren Milliet. Jean’s 10th start of 2025 means she is set to appear in her 50th career NWSL match.
The lone rookie in the lineup, Sarah Weber, continues up front alongside two game changing wide forwards: Emma Sears and Janine Sonis. Sonis spearheaded the comeback effort at the Kansas City Current last week with a goal and an assist. Both Sears and Sonis received call-ups to their respective national teams this week.
The available substitutes list once again includes Uchenna Kanu, who tallied a thumping header just after coming on last week. Notably, the Nigerian also found the net against the Pride in the most recent clash in Kentucky.
A win over Orlando would give Louisville 20 points — five more than it managed through 13 games to start 2024.
The first meeting between these teams of 2025 will be streamed on the free NWSL+ app or via plus.nwslsoccer.com. Fans can listen to the match on Sports Talk 790AM or 790louisville.com.
Team Sheet vs. Orlando Pride
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
11 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
2 – Lauren Milliet
26 – Taylor Flint
8 – Ary Borges
7 – Savannah DeMelo
16 – Janine Sonis
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Substitutes: 33 – Cristina Roque; 4 – Elli Pikkujämsa, 6 – Ella Hase, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 15 – Ángela Barón, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 20 – Katie O’Kane, 29 – Uchenna Kanu, 32 – Avery Kalitta
