Dash close homestand with visit from Utah Royals: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash host the Utah Royals at Shell Energy Stadium tonight to close out a four match homestand across all competitions. The Dash currently sit in 13th place and recently suffered a 1-0 loss to the Orlando Pride at home. The Utah Royals, who are at the bottom of the table, are coming off a 2-1 victory against Bay FC in their last match.
When: Saturday, August 31 | 8:30 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: ION
Radio: PTS Media/Deportes Nation (Spanish)
Clash at the Bottom of the Table
Both Houston and Utah find themselves at the bottom of the table, in 13th and 14th place, with slim chances of making the playoffs at this point. Houston has struggled with inconsistent performances and finishing their chances, while Utah, as a new franchise, has been focused on quickly integrating players and staff. In their previous meeting earlier this season, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, with neither side making a significant impact. Now, with both teams having developed a system and identity, it remains to be seen which team will come out on top in this match.
Happy with the Squad
With the transfer deadline yesterday and no new signings announced for the Houston Dash, acting head coach Ricky Clarke has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current squad. He believes the players they have are capable of competing effectively. However, with a growing list of absences ahead of this game, there are speculations about more departures after Courtney Petersen was traded to Racing Louisville yesterday. As the team works to secure results, the focus will be on how they manage these departures and attract new talent in the future.
Turning Point for Utah
The Summer Cup and break came at a crucial time for Utah. They won two out of three Summer Cup games, including impressive victories against the Portland Thorns and Tijuana of Mexico. This success has helped them establish a more effective system and position themselves as a formidable opponent. Additionally, the signings of experienced midfielders Claudia Zornoza and Cloe Lacasse from Real Madrid and Arsenal, respectively, has strengthened their squad. Utah is no longer a pushover, and the Dash will need to be fully prepared to secure a result in this matchup.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (excused absence), Cece Kizer (excused absence), Sophie Hirst (excused absence), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI-foot), Amanda West (D45-knee), Madison Ayson (foot)
Utah Royals – Out: Ally Sentnor (international duty), Imani Dorsey (SEI-Achilles), Lauren Flynn (SEI-lower leg), Carly Nelson (excused absence), Brecken Mozingo (lower leg), Macey Fraser (ankle), Frankie Tagliaferri (excused absence), Darielle O’Brien (hip)
Predicted Lineup
