Houston Dash vs North Carolina Courage - Staff picks
(image via Houston Dash)
The Fran Alonso era gets underway for the Houston Dash tonight as they take on the North Carolina Courage. We asked our staff to weigh in how the match up between the Dash and Courage will go.
Rudy - 4-2 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)
The Dash and Fran Alonso will have the tough challenge of starting off the season against the North Carolina Courage. Fran Alonso has mentioned many times how he expects his team to be aggressive in the attack, which will likely open holes in transition for the opponent to exploit. Because of that, I see NC handing the Dash their first loss of what will likely be a long season for the club.
Manny - 2-1 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)
We are going to see exciting football but that doesn't mean the Dash will win their first game. The Courage have kept the majority of their squad and their core is intact. The Dash have changed a lot in formation and how the players will fit in the system. There will be a lot of growing pains and it won't come as a surprise that the Dash will lose the first game.
Joey - 3-2 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)
Fran Alonso has stated that he just wants to attack constantly with this group and I think he will do just that. The Dash have almost no depth at the back, so I expect them to struggle defensively throughout the season. Expect some prettier soccer with similar bad results.
Dustyn - 3-0 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)
The first match of the season might be a wake up call for a Dash team picked by many to finish at or near the bottom of the NWSL table. On the road against North Carolina is a tough opener for anyone, much less a team with a new head coach implementing a new system in a new league.
Gribbs - 2-0 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)
Coming off a disappointing 2023, the Dash will look for an improved 2024 campaign under new head coach Fran Alonso. Going on the road against a team considered in the upper echelon this year in the North Carolina Courage while trying to come together under Fran Alonso's new tactics is a tall order for Houston's first game of the new season.
