Dash Look to Strike as Courage Adjust to Coaching Change
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash will host the North Carolina Courage tonight at Shell Energy Stadium in their first home match since returning from the summer break. Both sides earned draws in their first games after the league’s restart last weekend. The Dash currently sit in 12th place, three spots below the Courage, and remain seven points adrift of the final playoff position.
When: Friday, August 8 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: NWSL+, Paramount+
A Refreshed Side
The Dash came away from last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bay FC with just a point, but there were plenty of positives to build on. The team looked more in sync, with clearer attacking ideas, even while trailing for most of the match. Players like Kiki Van Zanten, Jane Campbell, and Danielle Colaprico stepped up to show grit and determination. It felt like the Dash were playing for more than just pride—they were playing for the playoffs.
Playoffs Are Doable
The schedule is relentless from here on out, with no breaks until the regular season wraps up on November 1, just before the playoffs. The key will be building momentum and avoiding dropped points. For the Dash, every result matters as they sit seven points outside the playoff spots. A win—combined with favorable results elsewhere—could put them right back in the hunt. They proved last week they can fight back in games; now they’ll need to fight their way back into playoff contention.
Shell-Shocked Courage
The North Carolina Courage entered the season with big ambitions and high-profile signings, but things have not gone according to plan. Following a disappointing run of form, the Courage parted ways with head coach Sean Nahas on Wednesday night, citing performance issues and internal changes. How the team will respond under new leadership remains to be seen. While this matchup could go either way, the Dash enter with more momentum and confidence from their recent performance.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (SEI-knee), Elizabeth Beardsley (IL-hand), Barbara Olivieri (excused absence), Ryan Gareis (concussion protocol), Amanda West (SEI-knee); Questionable: Christen Westphal (ankle)
North Carolina Courage - Out: Olivia Wingate (SEI-lower body); Questionable: Feli Rauch (lower body)
Predicted Lineup
