Spirit set for nationally televised matchup with Houston Dash

Washington Spirit  |   September 24, 2019
Spirit set for nationally televised matchup with Houston Dash Featured Image

Boyds, MD. – Saturday, July 20, 2019: The Houston Dash defeated the Washington Spirit 2-1 in a NWSL match at Maryland SoccerPlex.

Owen Krucoff
Washingtonspirit.com

HOUSTON, (9/24/2019) – The Washington Spirit will play one last midweek game for the 2019 season Wednesday with a visit to the Houston Dash. 

As part of the NWSL’s new television deal with ESPN, the match will appear live across the United States on ESPN2.

This is Washington’s first appearance as part of the TV agreement, which was announced in July. The Dash will be making their second national TV appearance after hosting Reign FC on ESPNEWS on Aug. 2.

The Opposition

Houston is seventh in the NWSL with 25 points and a record of 3-6-2 at BBVA Stadium. Wednesday’s match will be the Dash’s final appearance of the season in front of their home fans.

Houston has a slight advantage in the season series against the Spirit so far this year, having come away with a win and a draw in two meetings at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The teams played to a 0-0 stalemate on June 22 before the Dash took a 2-1 victory on July 20.

Rachel Daly and Sofia Huerta are Houston’s leading scorers with five goals each on the year. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell has played every minute of the season in net for the Dash, ranking third in the NWSL with 63 saves.

The Spirit

Washington will look to use its effectiveness on the road to get a result Wednesday. The Spirit have earned 10 points from nine away matches so far this season, while the Dash have gained just 11 from their 11 home contests.

Goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe will likely be a key contributor if the Spirit are to come away with a win. She and the Washington back line kept a clean sheet against Houston in June, and Bledsoe’s 69 saves are the second-most in the league. The matchup in net between Bledsoe and Campbell should be one to watch.

Wednesday’s game comes at a busy time for the Spirit, who are playing their second game in four days. After visiting Houston, the team will play its home finale against the league-leading North Carolina Courage on Saturday. [TICKETS]

Kickoff from BBVA Stadium on Wednesday is set for 9 p.m. ET. Fans all across the country can tune in live on ESPN2.

Spread the love