Previewing Houston Dash vs Angel City FC with Angels on Parade
(image via Angel City FC)
The Houston Dash are back from the international break and back at Shell Energy Stadium this weekend. We talked to our friend Trebor Tracy from Angels on Parade to get some insight on Angel City FC ahead of Saturday’s match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): There are some parallels between these clubs currently with former Angel City GM Angela Hucles Mangano now in charge in Houston and former Dash head coach Sam Laity now the interim in LA. How has Laity been so far and could he keep the job long term?
Angels on Parade (AoP): Sam Laity was put in a difficult position from the start. Not only is he starting with the interim tag, but everything from Angel City FC Sporting Director Mark Parsons, has suggested that he really doesn't have a chance at remaining in the role. Parsons was open in the lead up to the season about the team narrowing down their search and that the permanent manager is one that "will be available in June." If there is any sliver of a chance, it would take a monumental shift in results and performance from now until the summer. That said, he hasn't done bad. It's been a slower start than some may have wanted, but given the circumstances, and this being just match week 4, he's done well to show signs of improvement week to week.
BCS: Angel City is led by young stars Alyssa Thompson and Kennedy Fuller. What have you seen in their game this season that is helping take them to an even higher level?
AoP: Our readers will very much know our love for Kennedy Fuller, and of course as the former number one pick and being a hometown, Alyssa Thompson has been as advertised and more in her time with the club. For Fuller, what has really helped her is her confidence. She has yet to see an opportunity at goal she doesn't like and it's that aggression that has led to a few bangers. This season she has improved her vision as well, starting to find the right moments to send attackers in at goal, really growing in the midfield. Speaking of aggression, Alyssa has said the biggest key for her was spending a lot of time training with Christen Press, and it shows. She has really taken hold of the leadership/primary attacker role she has been thrust into. She seems a lot more settled into life as a professional footballer, and looks to be in for a big year if she can keep it up consistently.
BCS: The Angel City defense is young but is anchored by Sarah Gorden. How important has the veteran been in the growth and development of the players around her like Savy King and Gisele Thompson?
AoP: Sarah Gorden has been massive not just for the defense, but the team as a whole. Gorden, along with Leroux and Press have been the veterans a lot of the young core look to and in defense, Gorden is who they all seem to want to emulate in some way. We've seen MA Vignola adopt her aggression, we see Gisele adopt that ability to track back on a dime when hit on the counter, and for King, she has already spoken about how Gorden is helping her settle into the club, the city, and build a partnership now that she is back in that center back role. It was admittedly a rough start for the backline, and they still look far too vulnerable at times this season, but Gorden seems to be getting them locked into what they need to be doing to find success.
BCS: Christen Press has returned in a limited role so far this season. Do you expect her minutes to increase and what kind of impact can she have on this team in 2025?
AoP: One of the biggest head scratchers has been the lack of Press. The thought coming into the year was that she was gearing up for a true return to the game after a full offseason healthy. Someone a lot here felt would be primed for a big year, so it is strange to see her being limited. The hope is that we see a lot more of her soon, as the attack could definitely use her presence, especially with Sydney Leroux still away from the team.
BCS: Who are some other players Dash fans may not know that are important contributors and who should be watched on Saturday?
AoP: Forward Riley Tiernan is a player to watch for sure. Coming in as a non-roster trialist, she was really impressive in the preseason matches, and earned herself a contract coming into the season. She's been given the starting nod every match so far, and has only improved, scoring her first career NWSL goal in the win over Seattle last time out.
BCS: Are there any notable injuries for Angel City and what is your lineup prediction?
AoP: Predicted lineup: Anderson-Vignola-Gorden-King-Thompson-Hodge-Fuller-Zelam-Thompson-Tiernan-Emslie
No new injuries announced outside of the already current SEI. We did see Alanna Kennedy get another face injury during International Duty for Australia, but as of this writing, nothing announced in terms of time out. Though I would imagine she starts this weekend on the bench if available.
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We want to thank Trebor for his time and wish our friends in Los Angeles the best of luck Saturday.
