Houston Dash Hope to Reignite Attack in Home Clash With Denver Summit FC

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dash host NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC tonight as both teams look to end recent struggles. Houston is searching for its first win in three matches, while Denver enters the contest on a two-game losing streak.

When: Saturday, May 9 | 7:00 PM CT kickoff

Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houton, Texas

TV/Stream: NWSL+

Struggle for Goals

What stands out most to Dash fans is the team’s current three-game winless streak, which has caused Houston to slip down the table. The bigger concern, however, is the lack of goals. The Dash have struggled to find the back of the net for more than a month, and the absence of Makenzy Robbe has only amplified those issues. Her injury removed an important outlet in the attacking press, and without her experience and influence in the system, the attack has often looked disorganized and disconnected. The big question now is who will step up to lead this team offensively. Houston will hope to find some answers this weekend.

Question Marks on Depth

After heavily rotating the squad on Wednesday, the team’s depth has become a major talking point. While the defense continues to prove it is the strength of the squad, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the midfield and attack. Cate Hardin has shown versatility by contributing both in midfield and along the back line, but where does she best fit long term, and how can she provide a greater impact? With Kiki Van Zanten picking up a knock on Wednesday, who will step in to fill the void in the forward line? Meanwhile, can Emina Ekic regain match fitness quickly enough to provide support for this young squad? Right now, there are plenty of questions and very few clear answers.

Denver’s Struggles

Both NWSL expansion sides have endured growing pains this season, and Denver is no exception. Despite a roster featuring experienced NWSL veterans such as Abby Smith, Carson Pickett, Janine Sonis, Yazmeen Ryan, and Delanie Sheehan, combined with promising young talent like Eva Gaetino, Denver has struggled to find consistency. While the Summit are capable of creating scoring chances, they have also been vulnerable defensively and have leaked goals throughout the season. That is where Houston could take advantage this weekend.

Availability Report

Houston Dash – Out: Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee), Kiki Van Zanten (thigh)

Denver Summit FC - Out: Jasmine Aikey (SEI-knee), Jordan Baggett (maternity leave)

Predicted Lineup