Racing Louisville FC captain Arin Wright returns to action for the first time in 2026 on Friday, as Racing hosts the Orlando Pride at 5:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium.
The 33-year-old missed Racing’s first four matches due to an injury suffered in the final preseason game against Chicago Stars FC. She will make her 197th NWSL appearance in Friday’s game.
Wright is the lone change to Louisville’s lineup from a 4-3 loss to the Houston Dash three weeks ago.
Her inclusion pushes Taylor Flint back into her preferred midfield slot. Flint leads the NWSL with 15 interceptions. Her two penalty kick goals are also a league-high, both scored against Houston. She joins Katie O’Kane and Kayla Fischer in the Louisville midfield.
Courtney Petersen and Lauren Milliet start at the fullback positions, on the left and right respectively. Ellie Jean will pair with Wright in the middle.
Jordyn Bloomer will start in goal. Bloomer’s career highlight came against Orlando last season when she became the first goalkeeper in league history to save two penalty kicks in the same game on Aug. 9 in Florida.
The front three features two players returning from international duty. Emma Sears spent the last two weeks with the United States Women’s National Team, earning one start in three games against Japan. She will start on the wing.
Sarah Weber was also away representing the stars and stripes, with the U.S. U-23 squad. She scored in a win over France during the international break, then returned to sign a new contract with Racing through the 2028 season.
Ella Hase will start opposite Sears on the wing. She leads Racing with eight shots this season.
On the bench, head coach Bev Yanez has several new options at her disposal. Makenna Morris and Maja Lardner are off the injury list for the first time this season, while Quincy McMahon is available for the first time since Racing’s season opener.
Team sheet vs. Orlando Pride
24 – Jordyn Bloomer
8 – Courtney Petersen
3 – Arin Wright (c)
5 – Ellie Jean
2 – Lauren Milliet
26 – Taylor Flint
20 – Katie O’Kane
9 – Kayla Fischer
6 – Ella Hase
13 – Emma Sears
42 – Sarah Weber
Available substitutes: 1 – Maddie Prohaska; 4 – Makenna Morris, 10 – Macey Hodge, 11 – Taylor White, 12 – Quincy McMahon, 16 – Maja Lardner, 19 – Avery Ciorbu, 23 – Macey Blackburn, 88 – Audrey McKeen
