Coach Bev Yanez’s first Racing Louisville lineup of 2025 includes all returnees from last year – eight of which started in the club’s 2024 finale – for Saturday’s 5 p.m. kickoff against the North Carolina Courage.
Each player in Yanez’s opening XI made at least six starts for Racing Louisville in 2024, with the group accounting for 50% of the club’s goal total.
Arin Wright will don the captain’s armband for the first time in lavender, slotting in as the right-sided center back alongside another player in her second year with Racing – Ellie Jean.
Lauren Millet makes her 90th start for Louisville, taking up the right back role opposite summer acquisition Courtney Petersen on the left.
Katie Lund anchors the defense between the sticks to begin her fifth season with Racing. The Texas native, who is set to make her 75th NWSL appearance in net, was one of three NWSL goalkeepers last year to play every minute of all 26 league matches.
The midfield features another familiar pairing – Taylor Flint and Brazilian Ary Borges. The duo started together in six of Louisville’s final nine league games last season, including in a 2-1 triumph over the Courage on September 21.
Savannah DeMelo is set to serve as the attacking midfielder, filling in the pocket just ahead of the Flint-Borges double pivot. DeMelo is coming off a year in which she finished as one of Racing’s top-two goal producers for the third campaign running.
The versatile attacker Kayla Fischer leads the Racing line – a new role where she delivered several standout performances last year. Fresh off an eventual offseason internationally, Emma Sears is positioned in her usual right wing position. Janine Sonis (née Beckie), a major addition to Louisville’s team last summer, represents the threat down the left flank.
Racing’s entire rookie class opens the season among the substitutes, including the Louisville native Allie George and the recently signed former Mississippi State goalkeeper Maddy Anderson.
Saturday’s game presents an opportunity for Yanez’s group to earn the club’s first season-opening wins. Fans can stream the action for free on the NWSL+, which can be found via Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku as well as plus.nwslsoccer.com for domestic and international viewers.
Team Sheet vs. North Carolina Courage
1 – Katie Lund
2 – Lauren Milliet
5 – Ellie Jean
3 – Arin Wright (c)
11 – Courtney Petersen
26 – Taylor Flint
8 – Ary Borges
7 – Savannah DeMelo
9 – Kayla Fischer
13 – Emma Sears
16 – Janine Sonis
Substitutes: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer, 71 – Maddy Anderson, 6 – Ella Hase, 12 – Allie George, 14 – Marisa DiGrande, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 20 – Katie O’Kane, 42 – Sarah Weber
