Dash return to Challenge Cup play in Louisville: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are on the road for a midweek match in the UKG Challenge Cup against Racing Louisville. The Dash sit in third place in the Central table of the Challenge Cup with a win and a loss so far. Racing Louisville is undefeated in the Cup with two wins from two matches. Houston is coming off a 1-1 draw in league play Sunday against Gotham FC. Louisville last played on Friday, drawing 0-0 with San Diego Wave FC.
When: Wednesday, June 14 | 7:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Lynn Family Stadium; Louisville, Kentucky
TV/Stream: Paramount+
Continue form into the Cup
The Dash are on a run of good league form as of late, unbeaten in their last three matches (two wins and one draw). They can use this form to get back into the Challenge Cup and pick up points to climb the table. Houston is level on points with Kansas City Current in second, with three points. Louisville is on top with six. A win here can be the boost the Dash need before some star players leave for the Women’s World Cup.
Supporting cast: time to shine
There is no doubt that head coach Sam Laity will do his best to rotate the squad for tonight’s match while still wanting to put out a strong team to compete. Week after week, we hear Laity say that it’s hard to know what his strongest XI is with the players always stepping up in training and showing that they deserve to play. We can expect some players like María Sánchez, Diana Ordóñez, and Sophie Schmidt to rest ahead of Saturday’s game against OL Reign at home. The likes of Ebony Salmon, Ryan Gareis, Barbara Olivieri and Emily Alvarado could be called on tonight. As the season continues to be busy, and with the World Cup coming up, the Dash will need their full roster available to compete without missing a beat.
A frustrated Louisville
This will be Louisville’s fifth game in the last 18 days. They are having trouble both getting into games or closing out games, or both. With the long travel and quick turnaround, this could be a good time for the Dash to get a tired Louisville. With that being said, no team is easy to beat in the NWSL. Savannah DeMelo, who just won NWSL Player of the Month for May, along with Carson Pickett and Jaelin Howell have been the standout players for Louisville and can pose a threat to any team. Even with a rotated team, the Dash should look to come out firing in the opening minutes of the match to try and gain the upper hand and look to bring home three points.
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); Questionable: Sophie Hirst (nasal contusion)
Racing Louisville – Out: Jordyn Bloomer (back – D45), Jess McDonald (maternity), Nadia Nadim (knee – season-ending injury)
Predicted Lineup
