Dash host Courage, looking to stay unbeaten in league play: What to watch for
(image via USA TODAY)
The Houston Dash are back at home tonight to take on the North Carolina Courage. Houston is coming into this match after a 0-0 draw at the Washington Spirit last weekend. The Dash are undefeated in the league with one win and three draws. The Courage are on a bad run of form coming into this match, having lost three of their last four.
When: Friday, April 28 | 7:30 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount +
Coming together
Many wonder, what is the Dash’s best starting eleven. Is it with a lone striker? Is it with both Ebony Salmon and Diana Ordóñez on the pitch at the same time? Is it a back three, a back five or a back four? Head Coach Sam Laity knows that “we are in the middle of a grind” with the quick turnarounds between. He mentioned in his weekly press conference that we are “60% percent” of seeing this team getting to its full potential. At the moment, the team is learning to gel by playing games. Laity says the team will truly be able to come together with more time on the training ground, not through games. With the schedule now becoming a bit easier for all, we can except to see the Dash at their “full strength” soon.
The Diana Show
Dash Forward Diana Ordóñez will face her former side North Carolina Courage and all eyes are on her for this match. Diana debuted with the Courage, and the league, last season and became the first rookie to score 11 goals in her debut season. “I’m excited, I’m preparing as I would any other game,” Diana told the media this week. “It’s going to be cool to see some of my teammates that I played with and, of course, the coaches. They were really good to me, and I have nothing but respect for them.” She mentioned that the partnership with Ebony Salmon and Maria Sanchez is only getting better with every game. “I think when you look at our front line, it should be one that other teams are afraid to play against.” It’s just a matter of time until the goals will come.
Team Milestones
Now four games into the league, this is the best start to the season for the Dash in club history. Houston is one of three NWSL teams yet to lose in the regular season. In player milestones, tonight will be Sophie Schmidt’s 100th appearance for the Dash. The Canadian international joined the Dash in 2019 and has been a constant in the lineup ever since. Her fellow Canadian Allysha Chapman is also closing in on 100 career appearances in NWSL, currently sitting at 97.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Emily Curran (left knee - season-ending injury), Annika Creel (right knee), Ella Dederick (right knee - season-ending injury), Makame Gomera-Stevens (left knee - season-ending injury), Shea Groom (right knee), Devon Kerr (excused absence), Nichelle Prince (Achilles - season-ending injury)
Questionable: Joelle Anderson (thigh), Ryan Gareis (hip), Kelcie Hedge (thigh), Ally Prisock (thigh)
North Carolina Courage: Out: Tessa Boade (shoulder), Emily Gray (knee – season-ending injury), Estelle Johnson (lower leg), Kiki Pickett (concussion protocol)
Questionable: Mille Gejl (ankle), Denise O'Sullivan (arm)
Predicted Lineup
