Houston Dash Face Orlando Pride in Do-or-Die Playoff Push
(image via Houston Dash)
With just four matches left in the regular season, the Houston Dash host the Orlando Pride tonight in a clash with big playoff implications. The Dash sit in 10th place, three points outside the final postseason spot, while Orlando hold 5th place, six points ahead of Houston.
When: Friday, October 3 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Prime Video, NWSL+
Radio: PTS Media/Deporte Nation (Spanish)
Now or Never
The phrase has been used before, but for the Houston Dash, it truly applies tonight. Sitting three points outside a playoff spot, the Dash don’t fully control their own destiny. To keep their hopes alive, they must win out through the end of the season—and still rely on a few results elsewhere to break their way. With three crucial points on the line, the Dash will need everything they’ve got to stay in the fight.
Last-Minute Reinforcements
Just when it looked like Malia Berkely and Lisa Boattin would be the final additions for the playoff push, the Dash made one more move to bolster the midfield—bringing in 18-year-old Chloe Ricketts from the Washington Spirit, until the end of the season. Young but fearless, Ricketts adds depth and creativity in the middle of the park. She’ll be available for at least four matches, and her energy could prove vital in this final stretch. At this stage, any edge could make the difference.
Orlando’s Free Fall
The loss of star forward Barbra Banda has left the Pride reeling, derailing what looked like a dominant season. Their slide has been surprising, but reinforcements came before the transfer deadline with the record-signing of Lizbeth Ovalle—a player capable of lighting up any match. Alongside Orlando’s other big names, Ovalle could spark a turnaround, and the Dash may be the first to feel that resurgence tonight.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Jane Campbell (thigh), Maggie Graham (SEI-shoulder), Amanda West (SEI-knee), Sophie Schmidt (SEI-knee)
Orlando Pride - Out: Barbra Banda (SEI-hip), Kylie Nadaner (excused absence), Marta (back); Questionable: Summer Yates (ankle)
Predicted Lineup
