Dash Face Tough Test Against Chawinga-Less Current
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dash will end their three-game homestand tonight as they welcome the Kansas City Current to Shell Energy Stadium. The Dash suffered defeat in their last match, losing 1-0 to Gotham FC. Kansas City is coming off a 1-1 draw against Angel City last weekend.
When: Saturday, August 8 | 7:45 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: ION
Bounce Back
After picking up a much-needed win against Bay FC, the Dash would have loved to keep that momentum going. However, the recent loss to Gotham FC has Houston going back to the drawing board. It will be a tough task to get a result against the KC Current, but with Temwa Chawinga away at WAFCON, it could give the Dash a more level playing field. It goes without saying that this won't be an easy game, but if Houston can apply the same pressure it did against the Washington Spirit and Gotham, the Dash could get something out of this match and climb back up the table.
Recognition Earned
Week after week, the Dash have been recognized for the play of their rookies, and now the rest of the league is taking notice. Two of the four Rookie of the Month awards this season belong to Houston, with Linda Ullmark and Kat Rader winning the honors in back-to-back months. Some may take individual awards with a grain of salt, but these are significant accomplishments for a club that, in the past, struggled to develop young players and was often viewed as more of a retirement destination. Now, with the club investing in young talent, seeing those players develop, and earning league-wide recognition, the future looks brighter than it has in years.
Still a Scary KC
With Temwa Chawinga away at WAFCON, many might assume KC could fall back into the struggles it experienced at the beginning of the season. But this isn't the same KC side we saw earlier in the year. Croix Bethune is finally hitting her stride and playing some of her best soccer, while players like Debinha and Haley Hopkins are contributing more consistently with goals and assists. Even head coach Chris Armas has started to get more out of his squad. The Dash will need to be at their best if they want to come away with a result against this KC side.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Evelina Duljan (excused absence), Emina Ekic (excused absence), Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee), Cate Hardin (ankle)
Kansas City Current - Out: Temwa Chawinga (international duty), Alana Cook (SEI), Clare Gagne (SEI), Ellie Bravo-Young (thigh), Michelle Cooper (thigh), Mary Long (D45), Laney Rouse (knee), Kolo Suliafu (thigh)
Predicted Lineup
