Break Over, Pressure On: Dash Restart vs Bay FC
(image via Houston Dash)
The NWSL is back from its summer break, and the Houston Dash will resume their campaign with a road trip to the Bay Area to take on Bay FC. The Dash enter the restart in 12th place with 11 points, while Bay FC sits 10th with 15 points.
When: Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 PM CT
Where: PayPal Park; San Jose, California
TV/Stream: ION
Same Old Club or a New Team?
No team needed the summer break more than the Houston Dash. In the two months leading up to the pause, the Dash managed just one win, one draw, and five losses. The time off allowed the team to regroup, refine their system, and gain confidence through matches against Rayadas and Carolina Ascent. That momentum could carry into the restart—and the addition of striker Clarissa Larisey might provide an immediate spark if she settles in quickly. There’s genuine hope for a turnaround, but it all hinges on whether the Dash can carry this break’s momentum into competitive play.
Every Game Counts
Although we’re only at the halfway point of the season, every game from here on out carries serious weight. The playoff race is tight, and slipping behind makes it increasingly difficult to catch up. Currently sitting in 12th place, the Dash are seven points off the final playoff spot. Dropping more points—especially to teams above them in the table like Bay FC—will only widen the gap. And with more away games than home games in the second half of the season, every missed opportunity will make the playoff push that much harder.
Wide Open Game
Matches between the Dash and Bay FC have consistently been high-scoring affairs, averaging over four goals per game. Bay FC thrives on high pressure and wide play, featuring attacking threats like Racheal Kundananji, Penelope Hocking, and fullback Caprice Dydasco, who contributes heavily on both ends of the pitch. Even when they commit numbers forward, Bay FC remain vulnerable on the counter—something the Dash will need to exploit. Expect goals in this one. The big question: will the Dash be the team celebrating at the final whistle?
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (SEI-knee), Elizabeth Beardsley (IL-hand), Michelle Alozie (excused absence), Barbara Olivieri (excused absence), Ryan Gareis (concussion protocol), Sarah Punitgam (suspension), Amanda West (SEI-knee), Christen Westphal (ankle)
Bay FC - Out: Abby Dahlkemper (lower back), Onyeka Gamero (SEI-knee), Rachel Hill (lower leg), Melissa Lowder (SEI-knee), Emily Menges (excused absence), Princess (excused absence)
Predicted Lineup
