Know Your Opponent: Houston Dash

Washington Spirit  |   July 17, 2018
Know Your Opponent: Houston Dash Featured Image

Houston, TX – Sunday May 27, 2018: Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Boyds, MD (July 17, 2018) – The Washington Spirit returns home after a three-game road trip to the Maryland SoccerPlex this weekend to host the Houston Dash for the only time this season.

Continue reading for a look at what to watch for on Saturday night when the Spirit and Dash kickoff at 7 p.m. ET. [TICKETS]

FORM

Over their past five contests, the Dash is 2-3-0. The team has not won or lost consecutive games since winning back-to-back games in late May. The Dash enters Saturday’s contest coming off a loss at Portland last Sunday. Prior to that, the team defeated Orlando, preceded by a loss at Seattle. The Dash has not tied a contest since June 3 against North Carolina.

OFFENSIVE ATTACK

Despite sitting in seventh place on the NWSL table, the Dash has scored more goals than two teams ahead of them in the standings, including second place Seattle Reign FC. The Dash has managed to score at least one goal in 12 of its 17 games this season, and has not been held scoreless since May 19. Houston has scored three goals in a game on three separate occasions this season, including in a high-scoring affair against the Spirit in their first meeting on May 27 in Texas.

CONSISTENCY IN STARTING XI

The Houston lineup has had three constants this season: Jane Campbell, Amber Brooks and Rachel Daly. In 17 contests this season, the three have played every single minute for the team. Janine van Wyk meanwhile had played nearly every minute until last Sunday’s contest at Portland where she did not play due to a hamstring injury.

DUAL GOAL THREAT

The aforementioned Rachel Daly and Kealia Ohai have combined for 10 goals on the season for Houston. The duo scored all three goals in the 3-2 win for the Dash over the Spirit on May 27, with Daly netting a brace. Ohai scored the lone goal in the team’s defeat at Portland last Sunday.

ROAD HEAVY SLATE

When the Spirit and Dash meet on Saturday, it will be the fourth road contest over the past five games for Houston. The Dash defeated Orlando on its home field on June 27 to begin the slate, but lost to Portland and Seattle on the road in the team’s recent contests.

HISTORY IN WASHINGTON

Houston has struggled in the past when playing at the Maryland SoccerPlex, with the Spirit earning a 5-1-0 record in six games. The two sides split meetings last season when playing on the Spirit’s home field, but Washington earned home victories in 2014, twice in 2015, and in 2016 against Houston.

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