Houston Dash at North Carolina Courage staff picks

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash are on the road for one last match before the NWSL breaks for summer. We asked our staff for their predictions on tonight’s match against the North Carolina Courage.

Rudy - 1-1 draw
(Record: 3-8)

With some players expected to return to the starting lineup, Houston has a real opportunity to pick up points on the road against a team of similar caliber. While the team’s overall play has been inconsistent, the individual quality of players like Yazmeen Ryan and Barbara Olivieri—who can create something out of nothing—gives them a fighting chance to stay competitive in tight matches.

Dustyn - 2-1 Dash loss
(Record: 4-7)

Houston looked a lot better in the second half against San Diego in their last match, but they can’t afford to dig themselves an early hole like they did. North Carolina plays very similarly to the Dash so this should be an interesting chess match.

Manny - 1-0 Dash loss
(Record: 4-7)

The Dash have one final opportunity to secure three points before the break, facing an inconsistent Courage side. To do so, they’ll need to come out strong from the opening whistle and bring their A-game. North Carolina has attacking firepower, but the Dash are capable of handling it—as long as they stay switched on and don’t let their guard down.

Joey - 1-0 Dash loss
(Record: 4-6)

Thankfully the Dash are playing another bad team. However, that still doesn’t stop them from losing. Expect a low scoring game with both sides struggling to score goals.

Diego - 1-0 Dash win
(Record: 4-6)

The Dash turned in a poor performance against the San Diego Wave, but there were some clear silver linings—most notably the individual brilliance of Bárbara Olivieri and Yazmeen Ryan. Building on their momentum, and what has been described as a new level of intensity in training this past week, the Dash will look to channel that energy as they return to Fabrice Gautrat’s old stomping grounds in Cary, aiming to walk away with all three points.*

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Houston Dash Face Courage in Pre-Break Showdown