Club captain Jaelin Howell returned to Racing Louisville’s starting lineup ahead of today’s 6 p.m. ET matchup with the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field.
The midfielder’s inclusion is one of two changes to Racing’s XI from the mid-week game at Angel City, with rookie forward Emma Sears rejoining the starting group, too. This will mark Howell’s first start since April 28, when she came off with a calf injury in the first half of Racing’s 1-1 draw at Gotham, and her sixth of the year.
The match will be broadcast on WAVE’s Bounce TV (channel 3.2) as well as CBS Sports Golazo Network. It will stream on the free NWSL+ app or via plus.nwslsoccer.com and Paramount+. You can listen to the match on Sports Talk 790 AM, online at 790louisville.iheart.com or via the iHeart app.
Racing (3-4-6, 15 points) maintained eighth place – playoff position – despite back-to-back losses, and the Louisvillians can move as high as sixth in the standings with a win today.
Howell, 24, will make her 48th appearance for Racing Louisville, which selected the Colorado native second overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft. The Florida State alum came off the bench as a substitute in Racing’s win over Houston, her first appearance since her injury, and she played 41 minutes as a sub over the past two matches.
Taylor Flint will serve as Howell’s partner in the midfield, with Marisa DiGrande playing ahead of the duo. Today marks the first time all three of the central midfielders will play together in Louisville’s spine. Flint has started every game this year and all but 17 minutes, only coming off as a substitute once. She scored her first NWSL penalty – and her first goal for Racing – in the loss to Angel City and ranks first in the NWSL in aerial duels won, interceptions and tackles won and third in blocks and possession recoveries among non-goalkeepers.
With DiGrande moving up in Racing’s setup, Savannah DeMelo shifts to the left side of the formation. The club’s all-time leading scorer and assister hit the 50 games mark with the team on Wednesday and is making her 11th start of the year.
The dynamic Sears will take up the right flank, hoping to continue her fantastic start to her pro career. She assisted Carson Pickett’s goal on Wednesday and now has three goals and an assist to her account. Forward Elexa Bahr will lead the line.
The defensive group remains the same, with veterans Abby Erceg and Arin Wright playing centrally and Pickett on the left and Lauren Milliet on the right. Goalkeeper Katie Lund, fresh off securing her 250th career save, one of only 11 NWSL keepers to ever do so, will start her 62nd game and 58th consecutive between the pipes.
The substitutes bench includes defender Ellie Jean; midfielders Jordan Baggett, Kayla Fischer and Linda Motlhalo; winger Maddie Pokorny; and forwards Parker Goins, Uchenna Kanu and Reilyn Turner.
Goalkeepers Jordyn Bloomer and Olivia Sekany; defender Elli Pikkujämsä; midfielder Ary Borges; and forward Kirsten Wright were all previously listed as out through injury.
Racing Louisville lineup at Seattle Reign
1 – Katie Lund
2 – Lauren Milliet
3 – Arin Wright
20 – Abby Erceg
16 – Carson Pickett
6 – Jaelin Howell (c)
26 – Taylor Flint
13 – Emma Sears
14 – Marisa DiGrande
7 – Savannah DeMelo
23 – Elexa Bahr
Substitutes: 77 – Madison White (GK); 5 – Ellie Jean, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 10 – Linda Motlhalo, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 19 – Jordan Baggett, 21 – Parker Goins, 29 – Uchenna Kanu, 66 – Reilyn Turner
