Houston Dash Begin 2026 Campaign in San Diego
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are on the road to open their 2026 NWSL campaign tonight against the San Diego Wave. After a huge overhaul in the squad, this young Dash teams is ready to prove it on the field as a new season begins.
When: Saturday, March 14 | 7:45 PM CT
Where: Snapdragon Stadium; San Diego, California
TV/Stream: ION
Huge Year for the Head Coach
After a strong second half of the 2025 NWSL season, head coach Fabrice Gautrat aims to start the 2026 campaign where he left off. For much of last season, Gautrat focused on establishing a culture and finding the right roles for his players as a first-year head coach. Now that much of the trial-and-error phase is behind him, he has the opportunity to build on that foundation and turn it into sustained success. A strong season would put both him and the Dash firmly on the map.
Emphasis on Youth
During the 2025 NWSL season, the Dash had the second-oldest roster in the league. This offseason, the club moved on from several surplus players and added five rookies to the squad. These first-year players fill key positions the Dash needed to address, particularly in the attack. If the young additions develop into stars, the gamble will be well worth it. Regardless of the outcome, it’s refreshing to see the club prioritizing youth as it looks to strengthen the roster and become a top destination for incoming rookies.
Major Attacking Boost for the Wave
After the early offseason departure of Delphine Cascarino to the London City Lionesses, it may have appeared that the Wave would lose their edge in the final third. However, with the extension of Kenza Dali and the additions of Ludmila and Gabi Portilho, the attack looks reenergized and capable of troubling any defense. The arrival of Mimi Van Zanten in the backline also sets up a potential sister matchup against the Dash’s Kiki Van Zanten. All signs point to an exciting matchup that fans won’t want to miss.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Lisa Boattin (thigh), Messiah Bright (thigh) Sophie Schmidt (SEI-knee)
San Diego Wave FC - Out: Trinity Armstrong (SEI-knee), Trinity Byars (knee), Adriana Leon (back)
Predicted Lineup
