Update, 3 PM PT, May 16: Due to severe weather forecast in the area, the game has now been postponed until Saturday, May 17 at 10 AM Pacific.

It’s a quick turnaround for Seattle Reign after a disappointing result last Sunday, as the team travels to the Derby City for a Friday night match against Racing Louisville. Weather might be a factor in this one, with strong thunderstorms forecast for much of the evening, but that’s something the team has dealt with successfully in past trips to Kentucky.

This series has been very balanced historically – the Reign have won 2 of the 9 all-time meetings, Racing won once, and the score ended level in the other six matches. That includes one Reign win and three draws at Lynn Family Stadium. Last weekend, Racing defeated Gotham 1-0 at home thanks to a Taylor Flint strike from distance, while the Reign fell to the Houston Dash by a 1-0 score at home.

Keys to the game

Beware the high press
Take advantage of any possession advantage
Shoot early, shoot often

Notes

In her pregame comments, Reign head coach Laura Harvey indicated that Jess Fishlock and Nérilia Mondésir are nearly ready to return from their injuries, but the team wanted to avoid putting them through the rigors of cross-country travel when not fully fit. They are expected to be available next week. Backup goalkeeper Cassie Miller’s injury is longer term, and she is likely out until summer.
Former Reign forward Bethany Balcer remains unavailable for Racing with an excused absence for mental health, while starting goalkeeper Katie Lund was recently placed on the season-ending injury list due to a hip injury. Backup goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer has filled in admirably, winning her last two matches.

Injuries, absences, suspensions

Reign: Ryanne Brown (SEI – knee), Jess Fishlock (leg), Veronica Latsko (SEI – lower leg), Cassie Miller (leg), Nérilia Mondesir (leg)

Racing: OUT: Jordan Baggett (back), Bethany Balcer (excused absence), Ary Borges (suspension), Katie Lund (SEI – hip), Maddie Pokorny (D45 – hip), Olivia Sekany (SEI – knee), Kirsten Wright (SEI – knee)