Dash try for back-to-back home wins hosting Louisville
(image via Houston Dash)
After earning their first home win, the Houston Dash return for a second consecutive home match, this time against Racing Louisville. The Dash currently sit 10th in the NWSL table following the 1-0 victory over the Utah Royals last week. Racing Louisville, in 12th place, picked up a point from a dramatic 3-3 draw with the Portland Thorns in their last match.
When: Friday, May 2 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: NWSL+
Audio: Deportes Nation
Momentum Shifting
Fresh off their first home win, the Houston Dash are aiming to build on that momentum as they prepare to face Racing Louisville. While it might sound cliché to talk about starting a winning streak, their recent performance against Utah showed signs of real progress. The Dash are finding new ways to challenge opponents and proving they can compete in this league. Head coach Fabrice Gautrat noted that the team's identity is finally emerging on the pitch. Though the season has included its share of setbacks, the Dash are now poised to push forward and fight for valuable points in the standings.
Home Advantage
Home field hasn’t always been kind to the Dash, who’ve earned a reputation as “Road Warriors” by collecting more points away than at Shell Energy Stadium. But that narrative may be changing. The focus now appears to be on maximizing results at home, where every point counts in the tightly contested NWSL. Whether playing at home or away, the league poses challenges, but the Dash are showing commitment and grit—especially in front of their own fans. They’re working to make Shell Energy a place opponents dread visiting—not because of the Texas heat, but because of the Dash’s intensity and execution. Expect them to demonstrate that again tonight.
Shaky Louisville
Racing Louisville have had an uneven season, largely due to a slow start. While they have the firepower to score, their defense has struggled to keep goals out. Taylor Flint has been a standout, providing crucial stability and keeping matches from slipping away. Still, Louisville boasts attacking threats like Savannah DeMelo and Kayla Fischer—players who can change a game in an instant if given space. The Dash will need to stay sharp, but if they maintain control and play to their strengths, they should be in a strong position to take command and secure another win.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (parental leave), Allysha Chapman (D45-wrist)
Racing Louisville FC – Out: Bethany Balcer (excused absence), Ary Borges (suspension), Katie Lund (hip), Maddie Pokorny (D45), Olivia Sekany (SEI), Kirsten Wright (SEI)
Predicted Lineup
