Houston Dash open 2025 season with big test against Washington Spirit
(image via Ricky Vega)
The NWSL season is back! The Houston Dash kick off the 2025 season at Shell Energy Stadium tonight with a big test, hosting the recently crowned NWSL Challenge Cup champions, the Washington Spirit. Can the Dash make a statement in the season opener?
When: Friday, March 14 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: NWSL+
Radio: PTS Media | Deportes Nation (Spanish)
New Year, New Dash... Hopefully
It feels like the Dash go through this every season: a new manager, a new system, and new hope for something better. This year, however, could be different. The front office underwent a major shakeup, with the general manager position left vacant and no head coach heading into the offseason. Now, Angela Hucles Mangano has been named the President of Women’s Soccer, and Fabrice Gautrat is stepping in as the team’s new head coach. Both bring success and experience from different NWSL clubs, and they’ve already made significant changes to the club and the squad. But the real question remains: will it be enough to change the perspective of the league and fans about the Dash?
Into The Unknown
This will be Gautrat’s first time as a head coach, and there’s been a major turnaround in the squad with exciting new additions, including USWNT forward Yazmeen Ryan, midfielder Delanie Sheehan, and defender Christen Westphal, just to name a few. The team will also benefit from the continued development of young players like Barbara Olivieri and Avery Patterson, who impressed last season. The big question is: how well will the team gel with the new system? Can this squad perform better than last year under a new manager? Tonight’s game will provide some answers.
The Mighty Washington
After a heartbreaking loss to Orlando Pride in last year’s final, Washington Spirit is hungry for redemption. They got a little redemption last week, beating Orlando to lift the NWSL Challenge Cup. This will be head coach Jonatan Giráldez's first full season with the Spirit, and he’ll be looking to build on the foundation he’s laid. Key players like Tara McKeown, Leicy Santos, Narumi Miura, and Trinity Rodman have the ability to control the tempo of the game against any opponent. Sophomores Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt add even more depth, making this squad a formidable one. One thing is for sure: the Dash will have their hands full from the start, and this game won’t be an easy one.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Diana Ordonez (SEI-shoulder), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI-foot), Heather Hinz (knee)
Washington Spirit – Out: Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI-knee), Lyza Jessee (SEI-wrist), Ouleye Sarr (SEI-back), Andi Sullivan (SEI-knee), Courtney Brown (hip), Rosemonde Kouassi (knee), Paige Metayer (knee), Kysha Sylla (knee), Kate Wiesner (hip); Questionable: Croix Bethune (knee)
Predicted Lineup
