Houston Dash 2024 position breakdown: Attackers
(image via Houston Dash)
As we reflect on last year's performances, the attack sticks out as an area that needs improvement. The players have quality in themselves, and head coach Fran Alonso knows it too. This year could prove that last year was a fluke in goal-scoring ability and chances created with Alonso looking to attack, attack, and then attack some more. Here are some of the players who will be leading the Houston offense in 2024.
Maria Sanchez
The Mexican international winger has become one of the top-paid players in the league despite her down year as far as performance last season. Alonso and the front office believe that Maria can be one of the best wingers/players in this league and are putting their trust in her. Last year, Maria didn’t have much of the ball which is why in most games she seemed to disappear on the pitch. Alonso’s new tactics should address the issues she had last year and improve her threat on the wings. Hopefully, she can have one of her best seasons to date.
Diana Ordonez
After exploding on the scene in her rookie season with the North Carolina Courage, the Dash thought they had gotten a proven goal scorer for many years to come. Ordonez wound up struggling in her first season in Houston, for a lot of the same reasons as Maria. She had fewer touches on the ball than in her rookie season, and most often had to go deep into the midfield to retrieve the ball back. Additions on the wings, midfield, and a new formation could spark Diana’s season by letting her run into the channels and be more free in the box to score.
Cece Kizer
Kizer returns to Houston after the trade of Nichelle Prince to Kansas City Current. Even though many fans are sad to see Prince go, there are a lot of upsides for Kizer returning to Houston. She is three years younger than Prince and has proven to be one of the fastest, one-on-one wingers in the league, with six goals and two assists last year. With her work rate and ability to go past defenders, she will be a huge tool for Alonso on the attack.
Amanda West
The Dash chose Amanda West with the 36th overall pick from the NWSL Draft. West spent five years in college with the Pittsburgh program, registering 11 goals in her final season. The Canadian native helped Pitt’s women's soccer program to their best record in 2023. This will be a big jump from the college to the professional league but it will be intriguing to seeing what she can offer in her rookie season.
Paulina Gramaglia
The Argentinian striker will be on loan for a second year at RB Bargantino Feminino. She made 12 appearances with nine goals to show for it in the Brazilian league last year. As a result, she was called up for the Women’s World Cup in 2023. The Dash hope her growth continues in this loan, and at the age of 20, she still has plenty of room to improve.
Ryan Gareis
The fan favorite winger will be on maternity leave and will not be counted toward the roster. She didn’t have much of an impact last season, mostly coming off of the bench. We wish her and her family the best in this new chapter in their lives.
