Dash look for points in trip to Utah: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are back on the road, this time in Utah to face newcomers Utah Royals FC. The Dash are currently on a two-game losing streak after suffering a 4-1 loss at Portland last Saturday. Utah Royals have lost their last three matches, most recently losing 5-1 against Racing Louisville this past weekend.
When: Saturday, April 27 | 6:30 PM CT kickoff
Where: America First Field; Sandy, Utah
TV/Stream: NWSL+, Space City Home Network 2
Nearly full squad
After the loss against Portland Thorns, head coach Fran Alonso had to regroup and focus on how to improve his side. The reinforcements will help. New signings Paigne Nielse and Ramona Bachmann have joined the squad ready to make their debuts and players are recovering from injuries. Tarciane is still awaiting her visa to travel to the US and join up with the team. Now the defense should look more solid with players that can play in the backline comfortably and offer leadership to the others. With most of their players now available and the new players ready to go, the Dash can play at full strength now.
Trust the process
We have said many times that it’s going to be a bumpy road and it has been so far this season. The Dash have been poor this season on defense and unpredictable in the attack. Head Coach Fran Alonso and Diana Ordonez both spoke this week how it’s a process and a rebuild, but that they are beginning to move forward. With players coming back from injuries and major additons to the defense, Alonso has all his options available to play his attacking football and play well together. He said this week that all the players are 100% bought in so now it is time for them to take even more steps toward becoming a cohesive unit. This game could be a turning point for the season.
Old foes return
The last time the Dash were in Utah was when the Dash lifted the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup at America First Field. The Utah Royals are now back for their second stint in the league after returning this season as an expansion team. They have put together a decent squad but the results haven’t been there yet this season. They have scored three goals in five games but have conceded eleven. The Royals are a young, new team that hasn’t gelled yet and it could be the perfect opportunity for the Dash to take advantage.
Availability Report
Houston Dash - Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Kiki Van Zanten (SEI-ankle), Cece Kizer (concussion), Havana Solaun (knee)
Utah Royals - Out: Imani Dorsey (SEI - Achilles),Ifeoma Onumonu (ankle), Agnes Nyberg (hip), Dana Foederer (concussion), Kaleigh Riehl (calf)
Predicted Lineup
