Dash to host OL Reign in front of largest crowd of 2023: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash return home to Shell Energy Stadium to face off with OL Reign tonight. The Dash will aim to bounce back after a midweek loss in their UKG NWSL Challenge Cup match against Racing Louisville. OL Reign has had a full week of rest after their 2-1 win against Kansas City Current.
When: Saturday, June 17 | 7:37 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount+( national), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (local), Tigo Sports (Spanish)
Last home game for World Cup players
We are a month and three days away from the start of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. This will be the last home game for the Dash before the stars leave for the tournament. Captain Sophie Schmidt, Allysha Chapman, and Nichelle Price are on the list for Canada’s provisional squad. Michelle Alozie has been named to Nigeria’s official squad for the World Cup. Midfielder Havana Solaun will likely be called in for Jamaica. Meanwhile, Ebony Salmon is on the outside looking in for the England squad, being the first replacement if any forwards were to pick up a knock. Overall, the majority of key players will stay, but there’s no doubt the team will miss the likes of Schmidt and Chapman for the matches next month.
Don’t make the same mistakes
Early in the season, OL Reign faced Houston in Seattle and dominated the game with a 2-0 win. Head Coach Sam Laity mentioned that this time he would like to avoid the mistakes he made in that game and stick to the game plan, which is to play on the strengths the team has. He rested key players during the midweek game in preparation for tonight’s match. The goal; to get the three points from the Reign, especially with some of their key players out. Hopefully the heat helps too.
Keep up the form in league play
Not many people are talking about it, but the Dash are on a three-match unbeaten streak in the league with two wins and one draw. Sam Laity keeps stressing time and time again that he isn’t too worried about the results but more about how the team performs and executes the game plan. The Dash are beginning to show the fruits of it. Interestingly, when the Dash score, they don’t lose games. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, when they score, the Dash have 5 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses..
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Emily Curran (left knee - season-ending injury), Ella Dederick (right knee - season-ending injury), Makamae Gomera-Stevens (left knee - season-ending injury), Shea Groom (knee – season-ending injury), Devon Kerr (excused absence), Nichelle Prince (calf - season-ending injury)
OL Reign: Out: Angelina (knee), Jess Fishlock (leg), Rose Lavelle (leg), Phoebe McClernon (back - D45), Megan Rapinoe (leg)
Predicted Lineup
