As Seattle Reign have begun their slow climb up the table they’ve accrued a game or two in hand on nearly all of the competition surrounding them in the standings. This afternoon they redeem one of those with a visit to Racing Louisville for a rare midweek game.

The two sides have been among the hottest in the league over the past month, with the Reign earning 10 points over their last five games and Racing collecting 12. Seattle earned a 1-0 home win over the Chicago Stars on Friday, while Louisville thumped Boston Legacy at home, 4-1.

Seattle defeated Racing by a 2-1 score in March as part of their Spokane homestand; Maddie Mercado and Nérilia Mondésir scored for the Reign, while Macy Philippus got a very late consolation goal for the visitors. Seattle leads the all-time series between the two clubs with 5 wins, while Racing has one win and there have been six draws.

Keys to the game

Make the most of attacking chances
Respect Racing’s speed in transition
Rotate wisely to manage minutes in a busy week

Notes

While midfielder Sam Meza traveled with the team on this road trip, head coach Laura Harvey indicated in her pregame press conference that Meza remains day-to-day; she has been ruled out of today’s game.
New signing Ami Diallo is not yet with the team. She is expected to arrive in Seattle in the coming weeks after her visa and transfer paperwork is completed.
There is a chance of thunderstorms in the Louisville area this evening, but they are not currently forecast to arrive until after the game is expected to be over.
After today’s match, the Reign will fly directly to Kansas City to prepare for their Saturday game against the Current.

Injuries, absences, suspensions

Reign: OUT: Lynn Biyendolo (Maternity Leave), Jess Fishlock (Leg), Sam Meza (Thigh)

Racing: OUT: Savannah DeMelo (Illness), Marisa DiGrande (Maternity Leave), Natalie Mitchell (Knee)

Recent form

Reign: LWWDW (8-7-3, 0 GD; 8th place)
Racing: WLWWW (6-11-2, -8 GD; 13th place)

Officials

REF: Brandon Stevis; AR1: Ben Rigel; AR2: Jake Brochu; 4TH: Jose Lara; VAR: Amin Hadzic; AVAR: Matthew Seem

How to Watch

Match date/kickoff time: Wednesday, August 19th, 3:30 PM PT

Venue: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville

Broadcast: NWSL+ (Joe Malfa & Saskia Webber), Fox 13+ (Steve Schlanger, Laura Schott & Kelyn Rowe)

Is this game available to stream for free in the US? Yes!

Lineups

Our squad kicking things off tonight in Louisville ⚔️ Lineup Notes ➡️ rgnfc.com/3U6p5OA

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— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc.com) 2:36 PM · Aug 19, 2026

Our Wednesday night XI to take on the Reign 👑 Coming soon to NWSL+... ℹ️ tinyurl.com/3f5s3376

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— Racing Louisville FC (@racingloufc.com) 2:45 PM · Aug 19, 2026

Highlights

19’ GOAL REIGN! After absolutely dominating the first 19 minutes of the game with nothing to show for it, the Reign finally make one of their chances count as Maddie Mercado picks up a loose ball at the top of the box and smashes it into the upper corner. 1-0 Seattle.

Maddie Mercado with her 7th goal of the season!

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— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 4:01 PM · Aug 19, 2026

35’ - Goal Racing. On their first real chance of the night, Emma Sears gets behind the Reign defense on a fast break and tucks the ball past Dickey. 1-1

Emma Sears turns on the jets and finds the back of the net to tie things up 1-1 for Louisville!

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— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 4:18 PM · Aug 19, 2026

52’ - Goal Racing. Emma Sears scores her second of the night after a turnover in the Reign defensive third. No one picks up Sears as she runs into the box to receive a cross, and her shot deflects of McClernon and then off Dickey’s heel and into the goal. 2-1 Louisville