Dash kick off 2024 season in North Carolina: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The time has arrived, Dash fans. The NWSL is back and better than ever. Fans will love the new opportunity to watch most games on a free platform or over the air TV. For Dash fans, the team has new kits, a new head coach, and most of all, the start of a new season!
When: Saturday, March 16 | 6:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, North Carolina
TV/Stream: NWSL+
New boss in town
The Dash had a busy offseason with the integration of new head coach Fran Alonso. Alonso is known for his attacking football at Celtic, taking the team from nonprofessional to trophy winners in Scotland. There will most certainly be a change in the locker room and how the team plays. Fran’s main priority is attack, attack, and attack, which is a huge change from last year’s approach. No doubt Dash fans will be excited to see this needed change to the team.
Bumpy road ahead
Even with many additions, including the newest signing Elin Rubenson, the Dash might experience a slow start at the beginning of the season. Throughout the preseason, the Dash only won one game and it was against the University of Texas. Looking at the roster, many departures came from the defense, including star defender Caprice Dydasco, who had a stellar 2023 season. It doesn’t mean the team won’t come out playing well, time will just be needed for players to learn Alonso’s tactics and game plans to switch from a defensive-minded approach to an attacking formation.
New front line, sort of
Speaking of the attack…Maria Sanchez signed a new contract this offseason, making her the top-paid player in the league for a brief time. Diana Ordonez and Andressa Alves are back for their second season with the Dash. Most notably, Cece Kizer is back for her second stint with the Dash after the trade of Nichelle Prince to Kansas City. After an underperforming season in the attack in 2023, Alonso will look to use this arsenal to his advantage as he is known for taking talent and making it shine.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (excused absence); Questionable: Natalie Jacobs (hip)
North Carolina Courage - Out: Julia Dorsey (knee), Meredith Speck (season-ending injury - knee), Clara Schilke (season-ending injury - leg), Kerolin Nicol (season-ending injury - knee), Sydney Collins (D45 - ankle), Estelle Johnson (maternity leave), Rikako Kobayashi (season-ending injury - knee), Olivia Wingate (knee)
Predicted Lineup
