The National Women’s Soccer League is back in action on Friday as Houston Dash host Chicago Red Stars at BBVA Stadium Houston, Texas to kick off week 17. The playoff push continues for NWSL clubs as the regular season hits it’s home stretch. Just three points separate the two sides as Chicago currently sits in playoff position at fifth place with 25 points, and Houston sits outside the playoff picture in eighth place with 22 points. The two teams are meeting for the second time this regular season, and a win would see Houston leap frog Chicago as they currently hold the head to head tie-breaker in hand after a 2-1 win against the Red Stars earlier this season.
Storylines
Houston Dash: The Dash have one win over their last five games, and enter this match off 1-1 draw against the Orlando Pride. The club recently welcomed center back Abby Dahlkemper to the squad, and the roster move has pushed former starter Megan Oyster to the bench for now. Rachel Daly’s midseason return from the Olympics has been an asset on offense, as she’s been the lone goal scorer for the club over their last three matches. If that continues, the team will need to be more organized in defense to close out narrow leads when they have them.
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Chicago Red Stars: Chicago Red Stars head to Texas off a scoreless draw against Gotham FC. The club also has one win over their last five games, and despite a hot and cold attack, the team has had three different goal scorers over their last five matches. If the offense can keep things active in front of goal, the center back duo of Tierna Davidson and Sarah Gorden will help lock things down on the backline. Gorden is an ever present rock at the back and leads the league in total minutes played this season (1,620), and consecutive starts (18), and is the only center back with 150 defensive recoveries to date this season.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming match in Houston:
Viewing information
- Date: Friday, September 10
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BBVA Stadium — Houston, Texas
- Stream: Paramount+
Game prediction
Warm temperatures could lead to a fatigue later on in the match, defenses will be need to be big in this one, but both sides get on the scoreboard. Pick: Dash 1, Chicago 1
