Dash host Wave looking for second home win: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash will the San Diego Wave tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dash currently sit in 11th place following a scoreless draw against Angel City FC in their last match. San Diego, meanwhile, occupies 10th place after a midweek defeat to NJ/NY Gotham FC.
When: Saturday, June 22 | 6:30 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: ION
Maria Returns
When the schedule was released, fans eagerly anticipated this matchup, largely due to the star power of San Diego featuring Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, and USWNT legend Alex Morgan. Now, they also have another player to watch—or perhaps not watch—Maria Sanchez. Following reports of her desire to leave the club shortly after signing a lucrative new contract, Sanchez was traded to San Diego on NWSL Transfer Deadline Day. It will be intriguing to see how both the squad and the fans react to her first match back after the trade. Head coach Fran Alonso expressed hope for a positive reception from the fans, but he's more focused on securing a victory for the Dash and having Sanchez leave town with no points.
First Victory against SD
The Wave have won all four meetings against the Dash since they joined the NWSL in 2022. Despite this daunting record, the Dash have an opportunity to claim all three points given their current form. Improvements in their build-up play and creating chances in the box have been evident, but converting those opportunities into goals remains a challenge. In their last outing, Michelle Alozie, Ramona Bachmann, and Barbara Olivieri all found themselves in scoring positions but failed to convert. Once they find their scoring touch, the team will be more composed and are poised to secure their first victory against San Diego.
Attacking Wave
San Diego finds themselves in a slump, enduring a six-game winless streak with four draws and two losses. Despite dominating possession and creating scoring chances, they've struggled to capitalize and secure victories. With talents like Morgan, Shaw, Sofia Jakobsson, Sanchez, and Savannah McCaskill, the potential for a breakout performance looms. The Dash, however, are determined not to be the team against which San Diego's fortunes turn around.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ryan Gareis (meternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Havana Solaun (knee), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI - foot), Cece Kizer (knee), Sophie Hirst (ankle), Elin Rubensson (thigh), Amanda West (knee)
San Diego Wave FC – Out: Alex Morgan (excused absence)
Predicted Lineup
