Dash look for three wins in a row: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are at home again at Shell Energy Stadium tonight as they host NJ/NY Gotham FC looking for their third straight win. The Dash are on a two-game winning streak, with a convincing 2-0 win last time out against Orlando Pride. NJ/NY Gotham FC suffered a 1-0 loss at home against San Diego Wave last Sunday.
When: Sunday, June 11 | 6:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount+ (national)/ AT&T SportsNet SW (local), Tigo Sports (Spanish)
Welcome back party
Former Dash interim head coach Juan Carlos Amoros is coming back to Shell Energy Stadium as the new head coach for Gotham FC. Amoros had success in his first year in the NWSL with the Dash, leading them to their first playoff appearance in club’s history. Many will wonder how the team and fans will react. Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell mentioned in her Friday press conference that the team is happy to welcome Juan and former Dash midfielder Kristie Mewis home. Dash head coach Sam Laity said that Amoros’ return is a good sentimental value but the best thing is to focus on hand and not let it distract the team as they try and get the three points.
Winning mentality
The cliché is that you are only as good as your last game. It’s true in some sense. This is the first back to back wins that the Dash have had all season, with wins over Kansas City and Orlando. Some might get carried away that the team can beat anyone at any time. For Jane Campbell, she mentioned Friday that last week’s win is a good result but this game today is a different opponent, and they must give it their all. With the form shifting and the team starting to be familiar with Laity’s tactics, look for another good showing from a Dash team starting to get that winning mindset.
Midpoint of the season
This will be the eleventh match for Houston, which is the midway point of the season in the NWSL. The Dash are currently in 7th position, just on the outside looking in on a playoff spot. A win against Gotham can jump Houston into the top five. Coming off a first playoff appearance in club history, it seems a steady progression from last season. There have been som highs and lows this season but it feels like the Dash are finally finding their footing and their preferred starting XI. Being in a playoff spot at the midpoint of the season is a good start with a goal to finish in the playoffs and go on another playoff run.
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), Shea Groom (left knee - season-ending injury), Devon Kerr (excused absence)
NJ/NY Gotham FC - Out: Imani Dorsey (excused absence), Sabrina Flores (foot), Taylor Smith (thigh), Taryn Torres (right knee - season-ending injury); Questionable: Midge Purce (hip)
Predicted Lineup
