Houston Dash Host Utah Royals in Battle for Early Momentum
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash host the Utah Royals tonight at Shell Energy Stadium, still looking for their first home win of 2025. The Dash currently sit in 10th place in the NWSL following a loss to the Kansas City Current last weekend. The Royals are just behind in 11th after earning their first win of the season against the Chicago Red Stars in their last match.
When: Friday, April 25 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: NWSL+
Audio: Deportes Nation
Maintaining Positivity in the Squad
Back-to-back losses can make it tough to maintain a positive mindset within the team. With new players still settling in and injuries causing frequent changes to the Dash starting eleven, consistency has been hard to come by—especially this early in the season. Head coach Fabrice Gautrat has spoken about the importance of not adding extra pressure. Instead, the focus is on steady performances and building momentum. If the Dash can stay the course, they have a chance to turn things around as the season picks up pace.
Battle of the Revamped Squads
Both Houston and Utah finished in the lower half of the table last season and responded with significant roster overhauls in the offseason. Expectations were high for both clubs to bounce back and make a statement this year. While Utah faced a tough opening stretch against some of the league’s top teams—winning just one of their first six—Houston started strong but have stumbled in recent matches. This matchup is a true litmus test for which side has made more progress, so far, in their rebuild.
A New Utah—or Not?
Following their return to the NWSL, the Utah Royals are under pressure to avoid another lower half-of-the-table finish. The emergence of Ally Sentnor—now one of the league’s most promising young forwards—has been a bright spot. Combined with key additions like Nuria Rábano, Kaleigh Riehl, Ana Guzmán, Alexis Leora, and Bianca St-Georges, Utah has built a deeper, more balanced squad. If Sentnor maintains her form, the Royals could exceed expectations and challenge higher up the table.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (parental leave), Evelina Duljan (ankle), Natalie Jacobs (ankle), Allysha Chapman (D45-wrist), Zoe Matthews (illness)
Utah Royals FC – Out: Olivia Griffitts (maternity leave), Cloe Lacasse (SEI-knee), Alex Loera (SEI-knee), Tatumn Milazzo (SEI-knee), Paige Monaghan (foot), Kaleigh Riehl (lower leg), Bianca St-Georges (thigh), Mina Tanaka (upper leg)
Predicted Lineup
