Dash Welcome Angel City FC in Final Home Match Before Summer Pause
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash host Angel City FC tonight in their final home match before the summer break. Houston currently sit in 12th place following their 2-2 draw against San Diego Wave FC on Wednesday. Angel City enter the match in seventh after an impressive 2-1 win over the Kansas City Current midweek.
When: Saturday, May 23 | 7:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: ION
Signs of Improvement
Despite conceding a late equalizer against San Diego Wave FC, the Dash showed noticeable signs of improvement in their overall performance. The tactical adjustments from head coach Fabrice Gautrat gave the team a fresh look and injected new energy into the lineup.
Houston deployed Kat Rader in a more advanced attacking role while utilizing a three-player back line, with Lisa Boattin and Avery Patterson operating as wingbacks to support both the defense and midfield. While it was only one match with these tactical tweaks, the performance suggested there may be a foundation to build upon as the squad continues to develop chemistry and consistency.
In Need of Leadership
With captain Jane Campbell unavailable for this matchup after suffering an injury against San Diego, Houston will need its veteran players to step forward over the next two matches.
Defenders like Paige Nielsen and midfielder Danielle Colaprico bring years of NWSL experience and could play a key role in providing composure and leadership for a relatively young squad. Veterans Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman can also offer valuable experience and stability off the bench when needed.
Copycat Angel City
Interestingly, both the Dash and Angel City FC experienced strong starts to the season before struggling to regain that same form following the international break. Injuries to key players such as Savy King and Sveindís Jónsdóttir have contributed to Angel City’s inconsistency and disrupted their rhythm in attack.
At times, Gisele Thompson has looked like the team’s primary attacking threat, and Houston will hope to take advantage of that reliance as they search for a much-needed three points against Angel City.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Jane Campbell (head), Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee), Kiki Van Zanten (thigh)
Angel City FC- Out: Sveindís Jónsdóttir (foot), Savy King (foot), Sydney Leroux (excused absence), Hina Sugita (SEI-knee); Questionable: Ary Borges (foot)
Predicted Lineup
