Dash in San Diego looking for first win over Wave: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are on the road tonight to face the San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium. The Dash were only able to get a 1-1 draw at home against Kansas City Current their last time out. San Diego have won their last two matches, most recently a 2-1 victory over Orlando last Friday.
When: Sunday, September 3 | 7:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Snapdragon Stadium; San Diego, California
TV/Stream: Paramount +, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Now or never
The Dash are in 10th place in the table, just four points out of a playoff spot with five games to go. Tonight’s match is going to be a tough test for the Dash to get points. Houston hasn’t gotten a point from the Wave in their previous three encounters. San Diego are fighting for the top spot in the table and could go into first with a win. A loss in tonight’s match will be grim for the Dash to make the playoffs, not mathematically, but with a mountain left to climb.
The Wave’s threats
Even though it’s their second year in club history, the Wave are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With the likes of Alex Morgan, Kailen Sheridan and Abby Dahlkemper, San Diego are solid from the front to back. “Our job is to make sure that we limit the amount of times they can do it,” head coach Sam Laity said this week. “You can't stop it, of course. It's going to have to be about our first and second phase structure, our mentality and the opportunities to break forward in transition.” The Dash have the lowest goals conceded in NWSL play this season and a clean sheet would be vital to get a result and come back to Houston with points.
Newcomer for the final stretch
Many Dash fans can agree on one thing; the team struggles to score in the final third. Enter Andressa Alves. The Brazilian will be available for selection for this match after returning from the Women’s World Cup and getting her via. Andressa is a player who has proved it at the highest level and someone that teams can rely on. She will be a breath of fresh air for the Dash as they enter this important final stretch of matches. “She'll be in the attacking phase of the game for us,” Laity said about how Andressa fits into the team. “We have an idea of where we see her right now. That will change based on relationships that are forged during practice and games. Somewhere in the frontline, maybe more of an attacking position in the midfield. It certainly gives us a different option.” It will take time for Andressa to adjust to the league and her new teammates but her arrival should be a big boost to the squad.
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: Lindsi Jennings (knee)
San Diego Wave - Out: Kristen McNabb (hip - 45DL); Questionable: Abby Dahlkemper (hip)
Predicted Lineup
