Dash set to face newcomers Bay FC in front of sold out crowd: What to watch for

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash have traveled away to San Jose to face one of the NWSL’s new franchises, Bay FC. The Dash are coming off a 0-0 result in the home opener against Racing Louisville last Saturday. Bay FC suffered their first loss of the season against Washington Spirit in their last match.

When: Saturday, March 30 | 9:00 PM CT kickoff

Where: PayPal Park; San Jose, California

TV/Stream: ION

Newcomers

Bay FC is a new franchise, joining the NWSL this year. Many expectations formed coming into this season to see an NWSL team in the Bay Area. Bay FC grabbed headlines with the signing of Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala and Manchester City midfielder Deyna Castellanos as the main centerpieces of the squad. They also acquired former Dash defender Caprice Dydasco in free agencu to solidify the defense. The team has only played two matches competitively but has shown they are a threat in the attack. The Dash will need to contain their firepower and take the chances they get offensively.

Pressure on the hosts

Bay FC announced that tonight’s match will be a sold-out crowd. The Dash have managed to handle the pressure before with huge away crowds. Head coach Fran Alonso mentioned before the game that the pressure will be on Bay FC in this match. They will have the crowd behind them to get a win in their first match at home. Points are needed for the Dash with a tie and a loss so far this season and they’ll be looking to silence the Bay Area crowd to grab their first win of 2024.

Bumpy roads

The Dash have only one point this season, currently sitting in 12th place in the league table. They have created the lowest chances in the league. The team looked better in the second game against Louisville with the way they controlled possession and looked composed on the ball. Alonso’s side is still adapting to the new formation and structure of the new way to play. The signs are there but it feels like it will take some time until they can get any type of consistency. Bay FC will be a good challenge for Houston to get the ball rolling and propel them up the table.

Availability Report

Houston Dash - Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Natalie Jacobs (hip), Cece Kizer (ankle)

Bay FC - Out: Rachel Hill (hip), Melissa Lowder (season-ending injury - knee)

Predicted Lineup