Dash players ready for World Cup stage
(image via Canada Soccer)
The FIFA Women’s World Cup has officially kicked off early this morning with both hosts Australia and New Zealand winning their opening matches. The Houston Dash have sent six players to this year’s tournament and four of them will be facing off tonight. Here’s how you can keep up with all six of Houston’s players in Australia and New Zealand. All games can be seen on the Fox network.
Canada
July 20, 9:30 PM CT – vs Nigeria
July 26, 7:00 AM CT – vs Ireland
July 31, 5:00 AM CT – vs Australia
The trio of Allysha Chapman, Nichelle Prince, and Sophie Schmidt will suit up for Canada in another major tournament. Schmidt has announced her retirement from international play after this tournament, so she will look to end her career with Canada on a high note. Prince is returning from injury, and a what a remarkable return it has been. The winger ruptured her Achilles back in the winter and her World Cup looked to be over at that time. But she has fought back and will look to return to the field on the biggest of stages. Chapman will take part in her third World Cup and will try to add more hardware to go alongside her 2020 Olympic Gold Medal.
Nigeria
July 20, 9:30 PM CT – vs Canada
July 27, 5:00 AM CT – vs Australia
July 31, 5:00 AM CT – vs Ireland
Michelle Alozie and the Super Falcons get their World Cup campaign going tonight as well. Alozie will take on familiar foes in her Canadian teammates and a squad full of NWSL players. The 26-year-old will take part in her first World Cup and could have a break-out tournament. Alozie has been in fine form for the Dash and will hope to carry that over to her national team to spring a few upsets.
Jamaica
July 23, 5:00 AM CT – vs France
July 29, 7:30 AM CT – vs Panama
August 2, 5:00 AM CT – vs Brazil
Havana Solaun and the Reggae Girlz are back for their second World Cup. Solaun scored her country’s first ever goal in the tournament in 2019. The Dash midfielder has a very interesting background and journey to her national team. Solaun was born in Hong Kong to an American father with Cuban parents and a Jamaican mother. Jamaica has a very tough group with powerhouses Brazil and France but can Solaun and Jamaica shock the world?
Brazil
July 24, 6:00 AM CT – vs Panama
July 29, 5:00 AM CT – vs France
August 2, 5:00 AM CT – vs Jamaica
The newest member of the Dash, Andressa Alves will be playing for Brazil at this year’s World Cup. Andressa signed with Houston just before leaving for the tournament and has yet to play a game for the Dash, but she will be looking to impress her new fans and teammates while playing for her country. The 30-year-old will be playing in her third World Cup and looking to build on an already successful 2023. Andressa won the Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana with Roma this season and also scored in the Finalissima against England.
Paulina Gramaglia, who is currently on loan from the Dash with Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil. Gramaglia could return to the Dash next season. Her Argentina team will play Italy on July 24, South Africa on July 27, and Sweden on August 2.
