Houston Dash Look to Keep Rolling as Three-Match Road Trip Begins at Bay FC
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash begin a three-match road trip tonight against Bay FC. The Dash are riding a two-match winning streak after their 5-0 victory over Chicago on Wednesday, while Bay FC are searching for a win to snap their five-match current winless run.
When: Sunday, August 23 | 5:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: PayPal Park; San Jose, California
TV/Stream: CBS Sports Network
On a High
Back-to-back wins have dramatically improved the Dash's outlook for the rest of the season. Once facing doubts about their playoff chances, Houston is now firmly in the conversation, in 9th place, and in a position to make a real push for the postseason. While other teams around them continue to struggle for consistency and identity, the Dash have begun to establish a culture and mentality that the players can rely on and continue building for years to come.
Perhaps most importantly, this team has shown that it is never out of a game. The Dash have fought their way back into matches and found ways to steal all three points, a mentality that could prove crucial during the final stretch of the season.
Adjusting to the Roster
With Linda Ullmark set to join the U-20 World Cup, Sarah Puntigam on parental leave, and Malia Berkeley set to go on maternity leave, the Dash will be more reliant on their depth than ever. The recent integration of Khyah Harper, Miljana Ivanovic, and Natalie Hammond has provided a boost, with each player beginning to carve out a role within the team.
With three key players set to be unavailable for an extended period, Houston's new additions and veteran players on the bench will need to step up, especially as the Dash enter what could be the most difficult stretch of their schedule.
Another Team Searching for Answers
For the second time this week, the Dash will face a team struggling to find its identity. Bay FC appeared to turn a corner following the summer break, but that momentum quickly disappeared.
Despite having plenty of talent, particularly in midfield with players such as Claire Hutton and Kennedy Fuller, Bay FC has struggled to put everything together. Defensive issues have left the team leaking goals, while a lack of finishing has prevented them from taking advantage of their opportunities.
The talent is there to compete and pick up results, but Bay FC simply has not been able to consistently get wins over the line. That could present another opportunity for the Dash to take advantage and leave with all three points.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Malia Berkely (excused absence), Evelina Duljan (excused absence), Sarah Puntigam (parental leave), Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee), Sophie Schmidt (ankle)
Bay FC - Out: Caprice Dydasco (maternity leave), Alyssa Malonson (SEI-knee), Emily Menges (maternity leave), Anouk Denton (lower leg); Questionable: Aldana Cometti (lower leg), Racheal Kundananji (knee)
Predicted Lineup
