<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3jM3Uw_0wEe7uC100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3jM3Uw_0wEe7uC100" width="1600" height="550" ></figure>Fresh off her first United States Women’s National Team call-up, Emma Sears headlines the three changes to Racing Louisville’s lineup for tonight’s 7:30 p.m. home finale at Lynn Family Stadium against Portland Thorns.Sears joins Savannah DeMelo and Courtney Petersen as the team’s re-entries into the starting group after last weekend’s loss at Washington.Louisville’s home finale will be nationally broadcast on ION and streamed for free on ionnwsl.com. Sports Talk 790 AM will carry the radio broadcast, which will be additionally available online at 790louisville.iheart.com or via the iHeart app.The Ohio native Sears reassumes the right wing role after scoring Louisville’s lone goal last week after coming off the bench. Racing’s all-time leading scorer, DeMelo also appeared as a substitute last week. She’ll step back into Racing’s midfield in a central attacking role. In defense, Petersen reclaims her spot at left back.Three points separate Racing Louisville (6-11-7, 25 points) from a playoff spot as they enter tonight’s match in ninth place. To leapfrog into the playoff picture, the Louisvillians require both a victory and a North Carolina win over Bay FC in the 10 p.m. match in California.Janine Beckie occupies the left wing, opposite Sears, in the first encounter against her former club since her arrival in Louisville via an Aug. 21 trade. Up front, Bethany Balcer leads the line in her ninth start in lavender. As a member of the Seattle Reign, Balcer scored three goals against the Thorns.The midfield’s core consists of Marisa DiGrande and Taylor Flint, who operate as a double pivot. Petersen’s reintroduction allows Arin Wright to shift from left back to center defense, partnering with captain Abby Erceg. The ever-reliable Lauren Milliet claims the right back spot for the 25th time this season.Katie Lund, who made a season-high six saves in the first meeting between Louisville and Portland this year back on March 30, once again starts in goal.Midfielder Ary Borges and forward Kayla Fischer will be key substitutes off the bench for Louisville. The rest of the available substitutes include reserve goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer; defenders Ángela Barón and Ellie Jean; forwards Elexa Bahr, Milly Clegg and Parker Goins; and winger Maddie Pokorny.Defender Elli Pikkujämsä, midfielder Jordan Baggett and forwards Uchenna Kanu and Kirsten Wright were all previously listed as out in the league availability report. Goalkeeper Olivia Sekany has an excused absence for the game.Racing Louisville lineup vs. Portland Thorns1 – Katie Lund2 – Lauren Milliet3 – Arin Wright20 – Abby Erceg (c)11 – Courtney Petersen14 – Marisa DiGrande26 – Taylor Flint13 – Emma Sears7 – Savannah DeMelo16 – Janine Beckie88 – Bethany BalcerSubstitutes: 24 – Jordyn Bloomer; 5 – Ellie Jean, 8 – Ary Borges, 9 – Kayla Fischer, 15 – Ángela Barón, 17 – Maddie Pokorny, 18 – Milly Clegg, 21 – Parker Goins, 23 – Elexa Bahr</div></body>

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Team News: Yanez makes 3 changes for Portland matchup

Fresh off her first United States Women’s National Team call-up, Emma Sears headlines the three changes to Racing Louisville’s lineup for tonight’s 7:30 p.m. home finale at Lynn Family Stadium against Portland Thorns. Sears joins Savannah DeMelo and Courtney Petersen as the team’s re-entries into the starting...