Houston Dash at San Diego Wave FC staff picks

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash begin the 2026 season tonight on the West Coast. We asked our staff for their predictions on the match against San Diego Wave FC.

Rudy - 1-1 draw
(Record: 0-0)

With it still being early in the season and the Dash struggling to pick up wins in preseason, this prediction is mostly based on what we saw from Houston in last year’s series against the Wave. Because of that, a draw feels like the most fair and likely result.

Dustyn - 2-0 Dash loss
(Record: 0-0)

The big question around this team remains, where will the goals come from. Until Clarissa Larisey shows consistency or one of the rookie attackers breaks out, this team will struggle to get results.

Manny - 2-1 Dash win
(Record: 0-0)

Another year under head coach Fabrice Gautrat has the Dash seemingly poised to go to another level, continuing their run from the end of last season. Even with a rough preseason, there were glimpses of improvement with new players coming in. San Diego has a new forward line that will need time to gel while the Dash still has a strong defensive group. This match could go in the Dash’s favor.

Joey - no pick
(Record: 0-0)

Diego - 2-1 Dash win
(Record: 0-0)

This is year two of Fabrice Gautrat at the helm and some analysts are positive about the Dash’s outlook while some are pessimistic about it. Strictly speaking on San Diego, I feel like everyone should agree that Houston look a little less unproven than the Wave. I think what Avery Patterson said on the pre-match press conference (that one of the team’s main goals this season is scoring more goals) will come true and I see Houston getting out of Snapdragon Stadium with a win.