New-look Dash face reeling Portland Thorns: What to watch for

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash are in the Pacific Nortwest tonight to face the Portland Thorns. The Dash suffered a 3-1 loss at their 10th anniversary match against Washington Spirit last week. Portland Thorns were handed their third loss of the season, losing 2-0 to North Carolina Courage last Saturday.

When: Saturday, April 20 | 9:10 PM CT kickoff

Where: Providence Park; Portland, Oregon

TV/Stream: ION

Squad conundrum

The Dash were pretty quiet going into NWSL Transfer Deadline Day, until Maria Sanchez went public with her request to be traded. On the last day of the window, the Dash reportedly traded Maria Sanchez to the San Diego Wave and Emily Alvarado to the Thorns. The Dash brought in one player as well, sending cash for Paige Nielsen from Angel City FC. With the roster changes of the last 24 hours, how will the pieces fit in the lineup? Who will step up now that Maria is gone and be a focal point in the attack? Hopefully, this game and the rest of the season provide the chance for players to shine.

Don’t trust the table

Neither team has the best form early in the season. Portland has already parted ways with their head coach, moving him to a front office role. Although they are last place in the table, Portland has scored six goals and has a lot of attacking talent. They are third in missed chances but are on the top of the stats for touches in the opponent box, accurate passes, and long balls. Meanwhile, the Dash have shown moments of threats and ball possession during their games but have failed to take advantage to score and keep clean sheets. This game will show which of these two teams can overcome their shortcomings.

Better defense: Portland or Houston

Last year, both teams were defensively solid, especially Houston with their spectacular defensive record. Now, both teams are tied for worst in the league in goals conceded per match with 2.5. No doubt, this match will have goals, and lots of them. It will be a match of who’s defensive can perform: Houston with Jane Campbell leading the Dash back line or Portland led by veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

Availability Report

Houston Dash - Out: Allysha Chapman (maternity leave), Ryan Gareis (maternity leave), Katie Lind (maternity leave), Natalie Jacobs (hip), Kiki Van Zanten (ankle); Questionable: Ramona Bachmann (illness), Cece Kizer (knee)

Portland Thorns - Out: Gabby Provenzano (SEI - Achilles), Bella Bixby (maternity leave)

Predicted Lineup