Star midfielder Taylor Flint returns to Racing Louisville FC’s starting XI as it pays a visit to Lumen Field for a clash with another playoff hopeful, Seattle Reign FC, at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Flint, the NWSL leader in interceptions, missed out on last week’s 2-1 defeat to Portland Thorns FC at Lynn Family Stadium due to yellow card accumulation. She’ll take the place of the goal scorer versus Portland, rookie Katie O’Kane, in the midfield.
The lineup remains the same beyond the reinsertion of Flint.
Alongside the former Colorado Buffalo, Savannah DeMelo and Ary Borges will keep their places in the middle of the park. All three midfielders have a goal each to their name against Seattle.
Sarah Weber, who just surpassed 1,000 minutes played, continues as Racing’s starting center forward, with Emma Sears and Ella Hase adding the width on the right and left, respectively.
The confident Jordyn Bloomer once again anchors Racing between the sticks. Bloomer saved her third penalty in the Portland loss, which is just one off the single-season league record.
Club captain Arin Wright will make her second straight start in defense following an absence on Aug. 29 due to injury.
Wright will be joined by Ellie Jean in the heart of Louisville’s back four, while Janine Sonis and Courtney Petersen take up the fullback responsibilities.
As far as the bench goes, Kayla Fischer is back in the squad as a substitute after serving a yellow card suspension for the Thorns match. Other notable bench inclusions among the talented unit are Makenna Morris, fresh off a new contract extension, and ex-Reign attacker Bethany Balcer.
The marquee meeting of the clubs currently occupying the last two playoff places — seventh and eighth — will be streamed for free on the NWSL+ app or via plus.nwslsoccer.com. It’ll also be available on Paramount+.
Team Sheet at Seattle Reign FC
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
11 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
16 – Janine Sonis
8 – Ary Borges
26 – Taylor Flint
7 – Savannah DeMelo
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Substitutes: 33 – Cristina Roque, 77 – Madison White; 4 – Makenna Morris, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 15 – Ángela Barón, 20 – Katie O’Kane, 32 – Avery Kalitta, 88 – Bethany Balcer
