Dash continue playoff push in regular season home finale: What to watch for
(image via Diego Martinez)
The Houston Dash will host their final regular season home match of 2023 tonight against Angel City FC. The Dash are currently sitting in 9th place in the table with a two-game winning streak, after beating Gotham FC 2-0 last weekend. Angel City FC are in 10th place in the table coming off a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pride on Monday.
When: Sunday, October 8 | 6:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: CBS Sports Network
Heavyweight match up
The Dash are now just three points away from the playoff spots. Angel City FC are just four back. Both teams are still looking to keep their hopes for playoffs alive. “Becky Tweed has done an amazing job at Angel City, and we know it's going to be a really tough game,” interim head coach Sarah Lowdon said on Friday. “We're hoping that the crowd is going to give us extra energy.” Both teams need the three points but the in-form Dash have a lot riding for them with momentum and the players clicking at the right time.
Goals are coming, finally
The Dash have been the best defensive team in the league with the least goals conceded and most clean sheets, thanks to the efforts of the defenders and Jane Campbell. The main problem for the Dash has been their attacking threat, more importantly finishing their chances. In their last two games, they have been more clinical in getting shots on target. With Diana Ordonez as the single striker, it allows all the pieces to be more in-sync and keep the action flowing. Michelle Alozie is coming off her first career brace and NWSL Player of the Week honors. Houston will look to keep firing on all cylinders back at home tonight.
The Michelle Factor
There is no denying that Michelle Alozie has been the breakout star for the Dash this season. We knew she was a threat on the wing with her pace, but this season she has stepped up with productivity, and more importantly, her versatility. “After scoring two goals, I would say her (and our) preferred position is to play her as a nine,” Sarah Lowdon said praising Michelle Alozie’s efforts thus far. “She can play other roles too, whether it's wingback, whether it's a fullback role. She's very versatile, but right now I think it's clear.” No matter what area of the pitch she is on, she will cause headaches for the opponent.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Ella Dederick (right knee - season-ending injury), Emily Curran (left knee - season-ending injury), Shea Groom (left knee – season-ending injury), Devon Kerr (excused absence), Allysha Chapman (excused absense), Havana Solaun (left foot - 45DL)
Angel City FC - Out: Simone Charley (Achilles - season-ending injury), Didi Haracic (back), Merritt Mathias (knee), Christen Press (knee - season-ending injury); Questionable: MA Vignola (upper leg), Ali Riley (illness)
Predicted Lineup
