Opportunity Knocks as Dash Host Rayadas in Summer Friendly

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash host their first of two summer friendlies during the NWSL break as they welcome LigaMX Femenil side Rayadas de Monterrey to Shell Energy Stadium tonight. Houston will have a chance to give players minutes who have not gotten to play much this season.

When: Tuesday, July 8 | 7:30 PM CT

Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas

TV/Stream: Deportes Nation (Spanish)

Chance At Minutes

These mid-season friendlies give the coaching staff a chance to see a number of players who may not have gotten much time so far this season. It could be a big opportunity for these players as well, to prove they deserve more minutes in the regular season. Veterans like Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman along with youngsters Zoe Matthews and Rebeca will surely see a match like this as a chance to show what they have. Head coach Fabrice Gautrat spoke on Monday about doing just that, taking a look at everyone on his roster.

Knocking the Rust Off

This match is also a good chance for the Dash players to knock some rust off. They last played a league match on June 21, and have one more friendly next week before returning to league plat on August 2. It has been some much needed rest and relaxation for the players and staff but getting back to the “normal” of training and playing a match has to feel good. This match and the one with Carolina Ascent will help keep the team sharp and give them the chance to work on some new ideas and fine-tune ideas before they get back into the NWSL schedule.

Rayadas Return

Rayadas de Monterrey will return to Houston for their second match ever, the first since playing a friendly at Houston Sports Park in 2018. The Mexican side is preparing for the 2025 Campeon de Campeones match against Pachuca and their upcoming Apertura campaign in LigaMX Femenil. They won both the Apertura and Clausura titles in 2024 and advanced to the Women’s International Champions Cup final in 2022. They have a lot to prep for as they wrap up their preseason and will provide a very good test for this Houston Dash team.

Availability Report

Houston Dash – Out: Ramona Bachmann (SEI-knee), Elizabeth Beardsley (hand), Michelle Alozie (international duty), Barbara Olivieri (international duty)

Rayadas de Monterrey - none listed

Predicted Lineup