Racing Louisville head coach Bev Yanez has made two changes to her starting lineup for Saturday’s trip to visit the Orlando Pride, bringing Marisa DiGrande and Sarah Weber into the eleven.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 at Inter & Co Stadium in Florida. The game will air nationally on ION, with local radio coverage on Sports Talk 790 AM.
DiGrande replaces rookie Katie O’Kane in midfield, making her first start since Racing’s 2-1 win at Houston on May 2. The 28-year-old has logged just 32 regular-season minutes over the past seven league matches.
Weber starts after playing 33 minutes off the bench in last week’s 2-0 loss to the Kansas City Current. The rookie from Nebraska has six starts and one goal this season. She replaces Kayla Fischer at center forward.
The rest of the lineup is unchanged from last week’s loss.
Jordyn Bloomer starts in goal for the ninth time running. Despite conceding twice last week, the 27-year-old maintains a save percentage of 77.1%.
Courtney Petersen, Arin Wright, Ellie Jean and Janine Sonis make up the backline. Sonis will deputize for the injured Lauren Milliet at right back for the second consecutive league game.
Taylor Flint and Savannah DeMelo keep their places in the midfield. Flint was superb against Kansas City, winning eight aerial duels and four tackles, both team highs.
Ella Hase starts on the wing for a second-consecutive game. The rookie was active with four dribbles last week, including two successful dribbles — both team highs.
Emma Sears starts opposite her. The USWNT star remains one goal away from tying the Racing Louisville single season record.
On the bench, newcomer Katie Scott is available after joining on loan from Kansas City earlier this week. Ary Borges also returns from international duty, having helped Brazil win the Copa América Femenina last week.
Team sheet at Orlando Pride
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
11 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
16 – Janine Sonis
26 – Taylor Flint
14 – Marisa DiGrande
7 – Savannah DeMelo
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Substitutes: 33 – Cristina Roque; 8 – Ary Borges, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 20 – Katie O’Kane, 29 – Uchenna Kanu, 31 – Katie Scott, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 88 – Bethany Balcer
