Dash host San Diego looking to build off last week’s win: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are at home again this weekend at Shell Energy Stadium to face the San Diego Wave. The Dash are coming off a huge win at home against NWSL champion Portland Thorns. The Wave were on the road again after beating 2-0 against KC Current their last time out. San Diego won both meetings against Houston in the 2022 season.
When: Saturday, May 20 | 7:30 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount +
Make Their Presence Known
In the last two meetings with the Dash, San Diego had the upper hand, winning both meetings. The team is really solid, built to fight and compete with any team. Houston will have to deal with the likes of Alex Morgan and Jaidyn Shaw who can disrupt any defense. Dash Defender Katie Lind is confident that the team can handle it. “Initially we want to make sure that they feel our presence, make sure that we don't give them any time on the ball and get into them early, as we would with any team,” Lind told the media Friday. “They have some star power up front. We're doing everything we can to minimize their chances and minimize the opportunities that they have with their threats behind.” Head coach Sam Laity echoed the same sentiment, “It will be about us getting our shape right,” Laity said. “It will be about getting our intensity right. There's going to be moments in every game where players like that are going to have chances. The same will be for us, we will create chances against San Diego. It's just whether or not we can put them away in and stop them from executing that.” Both Lind and Laity knows what’s in store and it will be time to execute it.
Love for the Defense
In the weeks leading up up to the season, Dash fans and writers were excited about the offensive fire power that Houston acquired. But it has been on the other end where Houston has excelled. The Dash back line has been phenomenal, especially knowing the injuries going into the season. The team have looked strong in the back for most of their games, even with the absences. “The eight players that have rotated through the back four in the league games and the Challenge Cup games have not let the team down,” Laity said yesterday. “Very happy with where things are. It can be better, and it will be better. We're not content with where it's now. We are still training for situations that haven't occurred this season so that we are making the right decisions when those moments occur. We're moving in the right direction for sure.” No doubt, both experienced and new players have flourished in this team. It is also worh noting that Allysha Chapman will be celebrated before the match tonight for her 100th appearance in the NWSL. Another great accomplishment for the veteran defender who has anchored the Houston back line for many seasons.
The Dash Identity
With the different formations and many players being switched out of the lineup, fans will wonder if the Dash has a specific style or way to play that defines them. At the moment, there is no concrete identity on how the team plays but there’s one word that defines the team: “Resilient,” defender Katie Lind said. “I think that word comes to mind because first and foremost we have a lot of young players. We have some experience. Whenever we're kind of down and in the corner, we like to come back fighting and punching and making sure that we're giving it our all. It doesn't really matter what the standings say but I know it matters for us within our internal unit that we're always fighting for each other and fighting to be the best versions of ourselves.” No matter what the line up is going to be, the team will fight it out to get a result.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Nichelle Prince (Achilles - season-ending injury), Ella Dederick (right knee - season-ending injury), Emily Curran (left knee - season-ending injury), Makamae Gomera-Stevens (left knee - season-ending injury), Annika Creel (right knee - season-ending injury), Devon Kerr (excused absence)
San Diego Wave: none provided
Predicted Lineup
