Dash finish Summer Cup group play against Pachuca
(image via Houston Dash)
Houston will host Liga MX Femenil side Pachuca for their final group stage match tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dash are currently in third place in the group following their 2-1 win against Tigres Sunday. Pachuca sits at the bottom of the group losing to KC Current in their last match.
When: Thursday, August 1 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount +
Need Some Luck
Following the victory against Tigres Sunday night, the Dash have an outside chance of advancing past the group stage. Only the top four out of the five group winners will move on to the semifinals. The Dash must defeat Pachuca and hope for a Tigres win against KC Current. While this may seem straightforward, the crucial factor will be the goal difference. KC Current currently has a goal difference of +5, so the Dash will need to secure a big victory and hope Tigres can beat KC by a large margin. Even with a win, advancing to the semifinals will depend on other factors, making luck a significant element in the Dash's journey forward.
Positive Momentum
Since their match against the Chicago Red Stars, the Dash have shown positive momentum, despite a few losses. Acting head coach Ricky Clarke has noted the team's progress, highlighting their improvement in confidence and their threat on the ball, even though they have struggled with final third passes and chances. If the Dash can maintain this momentum and convert their opportunities, they could finish the tournament on a high and gain confidence ahead of the league season's restart.
Underwhelming Pachuca
Pachuca, one of the top six Liga MX Femenil teams invited to the Summer Cup, was placed in a group with two Liga MX sides and two NWSL sides. Expectations were high for Pachuca, given their strong performance last season. However, they are the only Liga MX side in the tournament yet to earn a point and currently have the worst goal difference. This match could serve as a valuable test for the Dash, allowing them to gauge their improvement, even if Pachuca is not performing at their best.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (excused absence), Elin Rubensson (excused absence), Michelle Alozie (international duty), Jane Campbell (international duty), Tarciane (international duty), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Havana Solaun (knee), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI), Paige Nielsen (thigh), Allysha Chapman (yellow card accumulation)
Pachuca – Out: Chinwendu Verónica Ihezuo (international), Ohale Osinachi Marvis (international), Yirleidis Quejada Minota (international)
Predicted Lineup
