Houston Dash Look to Reignite Playoff Push Against Utah Royals
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash will host a hot-and-cold Utah Royals team with a chance to move into playoff position. The Dash are riding a three-game losing streak, while the Royals have been alternating wins and losses in recent weeks.
When: Saturday, September 12 | 7:45 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Orlando, Florida
TV/Stream: ION
Win for Morale
After putting themselves in a strong position in the playoff race, this losing streak comes at the worst possible time for the Dash, who are hoping to make the playoffs for just the second time in club history. A win feels necessary now if they want to have a realistic chance of reaching the playoff line. They aren’t mathematically eliminated without a win, but another loss would make the task even more difficult. A victory could also provide the momentum the team needs to turn things back in a positive direction.
Need for Goals
Over their past three games, the Dash have scored just one goal and struggled to capitalize on their chances. While Kat Rader leads the team in scoring, the rookie can’t be expected to carry the entire responsibility of the attack. Just as keeping a clean sheet is a team effort, scoring goals requires a collective effort as well. Utah has also struggled to keep opponents off the scoresheet, which could give the Dash an opportunity to find their finishing touch.
Inconsistent Utah
Despite a strong start to the season, the Royals have fallen into a strange pattern of alternating wins and losses. While they have been susceptible to conceding goals, their attack has remained dangerous, with Cloe Lacasse and Mina Tanaka leading the way. Del Kate Fava and Nuria Rábano have provided stability along the backline, but Utah has still been giving up goals. That could give the Dash an opportunity to take advantage and finally get their offense going.
Availability Report
Houston Dash – Out: Malia Berkely (maternity leave), Evelina Duljan (excused absence), Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee), Sophie Schmidt (ankle), Linda Ullmark (international duty)
Utah Royals - Out: Alex Loera (SEI-knee), KK Ream (SEI-knee)
Predicted Lineup
