Perfect Starts Collide: Houston Dash Face Angel City in Early Statement Match

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash are in Los Angeles tonight to face Angel City FC, with both sides entering the match unbeaten. It’s an early showdown between two of the league’s top teams, with the winner claiming sole possession of first place. The Dash are coming off a 3-0 win at home over Boston Legacy FC in their last match. Angel City also won last weekend, beating Bay FC 3-1.

Making History

Everyone at the Dash has talked about wanting to make history. On Matchday 1, Houston won their opening match on the road for the first time ever. And after last week’s victory, the Dash made history again, winning the first two games to open the season for the first time. This Houston side is already living up to its “Prove It” slogan, and doing just that. The team’s approach looks completely different from last year, showing a clear ability to adapt to opponents. If they continue producing results at this rate, they could emerge as contenders for the NWSL Supporters’ Shield and even a legitimate underdog for the Championship.

Rookies Are the Real Deal

While Kiki Van Zanten grabbed the headlines last week, the rookies were the true difference-makers. Kat Rader scored her first NWSL goal and added an assist on one of Kiki’s strikes. Linda Ullmark helped dictate the tempo in attack and was rewarded with an assist of her own. Leah Klenke has helped solidify the defense, contributing to another clean sheet, while Cate Hardin made her debut off the bench. Few expected this rookie class to make such an immediate impact, but their emergence has been a major boost for Houston.

A Dangerous Angel City Side

Angel City FC has been one of the most dangerous teams in the NWSL in the final third. Additions like Ary Borges and Emily Sams have addressed key gaps from last season, while a full year under head coach Alexander Straus has further refined the system. Sveindís Jónsdóttir is already producing at a level that doubles last season’s output, and she’s just one of several players capable of changing a match. The Dash will have their hands full tonight.

Availability Report

Houston Dash – Out: Kate Faasse (ankle) Sophie Schmidt (SEI-knee), Christen Westphal (excused absence)

Angel City FC - Out: Karsyn Cherry (thigh), Claire Emslie (maternity leave), Jun Endo (knee), Sydney Leroux (excused absence), Hina Sugita (SEI-knee)

Predicted Lineup