Houston Dash Face Courage in Pre-Break Showdown
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash are in Cary, North Carolina tonight to take on the North Carolina Courage in their final match before the NWSL Summer Break. The Dash will be looking to bounce back after a home loss to the San Diego Wave, while the Courage aim to build on the momentum from their recent win over Angel City FC.
When: Saturday, June 21 | 6:30 PM CT
Where: First Horizon Stadium; Cary, North Carolina
TV/Stream: NWSL+
Last Push Before the Break
This will be the final match before league play resumes again on August 2, and the Dash need a positive result to carry momentum into the second half of the season. Yazmeen Ryan and Bárbara Olivieri were standout performers in the previous outing against San Diego, and their impact will be crucial again—especially with international duty approaching for both players. A win here could also position the club well heading into the transfer window. Looking ahead, the Dash clearly need additional attacking support to complement Ryan and Olivieri and bring more dynamism to the frontline. This is a winnable match if the team executes with focus and intent.
Mentality Is Everything
It’s becoming a recurring theme: the Dash must start matches with the right mindset. In some games—like the one against Orlando Pride—they compete for the full 90 minutes, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion. In others, they don't wake up until they're chasing a multi-goal deficit. Mental sharpness from the first whistle will be key in this one, especially with North Carolina sitting just above Houston in the standings. A win could reshape the Dash's trajectory heading into the back half of the season.
A Vulnerable Courage Side
Expectations were high for North Carolina following splashy offseason signings like Jaedyn Shaw from San Diego and Japanese international midfielder Shinomi Koyama. But both players have struggled to settle in, and the team hasn’t yet found a reliable replacement for the influential Kerolin. While the Courage are coming off a strong win over Angel City FC, they remain inconsistent—and beatable. If the Dash bring their best, they have every chance to come away with a result.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (SEI-knee), Elizabeth Beardsley (hand)
North Carolina Courage - Out: Sydney Collins (SEI-ankle), Olivia Wingate (D45-leg)
Predicted Lineup
