Dash host KC Current in “massive game for both teams”: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are back at home to face the Kansas City Current tonight in the second to last home game of the season. The Dash want to bounce back from a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Washington Spirit last weekend. Kansas City are on a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and beat OL Reign 1-0 last Friday.
When: Saturday, August 26 | 7:30 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount +
Massive game for both teams
Both teams are currently outside of the playoffs with the Dash and KC Current sitting 9th and 11th respectively. Head Coach Sam Laity knows how much is riding on this game. “It's a massive, massive game for both teams and probably decides whether one of these teams makes the playoffs,” Laity said on Friday. “It's been a very, very different and interesting league this year. Right. Really, competitive. So maybe there's not as much on that game as perhaps people might feel. But yeah, it's a six-point game.” A tie won’t help either team in the race to the playoffs. Whoever wins, and if other results go their way, they will be in pole position to make a run to the playoffs.
Converting your chances
It’s fair to say that in the last game against the Washington Spirit we saw the Dash improved in some areas. Of course, the main piece that still plagues the team is converting their chances into goals. “I was satisfied with how they played last week, we put a lot of good things together,” Laity said reflecting on last week’s performance. “We just haven’t put the last piece together yet. we know that what we did last week against Washington won’t be enough to win this week. So, we've got to go up a level. Certainly not resting on laurels. Very happy with the performance last week, not the result. We know it's not going to be good enough for this week.” The team had a different spark in the way they played but now it’s time to convert their chances on offense and get points in the table.
Special night for the players
No doubt, on many people’s mind is the scandal in Spain with RFEF President Luis Rubiales and his actions towards Jenni Hermoso at the World Cup. Many people are affected by this event and it’s sending a ripple worldwide. In contrast, and almost in a coincidental show of solidarity, the Dash are celebrating Inspiring Women’s Night at tonight’s match. Laity mentioned in his press conference that nights like these are important for the players to celebrate this and the soccer community. No matter the result on the match, the players deserve the respect for everything they do on and off the pitch.
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); Questionable: Natalie Jacobs (right hip)
Kansas City Current - report not available
Predicted Lineup
