Houston Dash Look to Respond Against Unpredictable Seattle Reign Amid Crucial May Stretch

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dash will look to bounce back from last weekend’s loss as they host the Seattle Reign tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. Seattle aims to return to the win column after a 3-0 loss to the Utah Royals in their last match.

When: Friday, May 1 | 7:00 PM CT kickoff

Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas

TV/Stream: Victory+

Prepare for Anything

Sitting in the final playoff spot, for now, the Dash also hold two games in hand on the rest of the league. With fixture congestion ramping up in May, they must be ready for a nonstop push to stay in playoff position heading into the midseason break. This stretch will be a true test of whether Houston are contenders, starting with Seattle tonight.

Added Reinforcements

The Dash have leaned heavily on their rookies so far, and it’s worked. But with Makenzy Robbe now out, the group will need to elevate its level to maintain that early momentum. The club also added reinforcements this week, signing USL Player of the Year Emina Ekic from Lexington SC. Drafted out of Louisville in 2021, Ekic developed in the USL and brings a proven attacking threat. Her arrival should help spark the offense and ease the burden on the younger players.

Two Sides of Seattle

Seattle is typically a daunting opponent, but they’ve been inconsistent this season. At times, they’ve looked dominant; in others, they’ve been outplayed. Much of that has to do with absences from key players like Lynn Biyendolo, Jess Fishlock, and Jordyn Bugg, forcing younger players such as Sam Meza and Maddie Mercado into larger roles. While those players have shown promise, they haven’t consistently matched last year’s level. The Dash are also a young side, but they have an opportunity to capitalize and come away with a strong result.

Availability Report

Houston Dash – Out: Makenzy Robbe (SEI-knee)

Seattle Reign FC - Out: Lynn Biyendolo (maternity leave), Jordyn Bugg (leg), Less Fishlock (lower leg), Ruby Hladek (leg)

Predicted Lineup