Dash host Washinigton Spirit for 10th anniversary: What to watch for
(image via NWSL)
The Houston Dash are back at home after the international break to take on the Washington Spirit tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dash got their first win of the season, in their last match before the break, winning 3-2 on the road against Bay FC. Washington Spirit have won their last two matches, most recently a 2-1 win over Utah Royals FC on March 31.
When: Friday, April 12 | 7:10 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Prime Video
10th Anniversary
This match will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Dash’s inaugural match. There are many memories that Dash fans have experienced, like reaching the first playoffs for the first time, winning the NWSL Challenge Cup, or all the amazing jerseys throughout the years. This Friday will be a celebration and many things to see in Dash history. Dash alums Brittany Bock and Kealia Watt will be honored on the field in a pre-match ceremony. A display of Dash jerseys from the last 10 years will be available for photos on the concourse outside section 103. Former team president Chris Canetti will deliver the match ball and former managing director Brian Ching will pull the lever for the Shell Energy Moment. Come out and enjoy the festivities.
Momentum
The Dash had a rough start in their first game of the season, but the last two games have showed improvement. The players are beginning to understand the system and cover the gaps in the formation. The team has stepped up in the final third, getting balls in the box and showing they aren’t afraid to take a shot outside the box as well. With the international break, some momentum can be lost, but Alonso and the team have trained hard this past week to make sure they keep the positives going from last match.
Spirited attack
The Washington Spirit have made many headlines in the offseason, including the hiring of head coach Jonatan Giraldez from FC Barcelona Femeni. Currently, he isn’t at the club, but his influence is felt in the team with his assistant Adrian Gonzalez serving as interim until Giraldez joins the team after the Liga F season ends. They suffered a loss in the season opener in Seattle but showed their quality in their last two games, winning both. The team is loaded with superstars that can hurt you on the counterattack like Trinity Rodman, Ashley Hatch, and Andi Sullivan. Also, take note of their draftees; Hal Hershfelt and Croix Bethune. They have come into the league and fit into this team like veterans. The Spirit squad is well-rounded with rookies and veterans that can hurt any team and the Dash will have to be ready for the challenge.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave)
Washington Spirit - Out: Civana Kuhlmann (season-ending injury - knee), Makenna Morris (hip), Kate Wiesner (thigh)
Predicted Lineup
