The Houston Dash will look to finish their run in the NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant on a high note with a victory against Portland Thorns FC tomorrow night at BBVA Stadium. Fans can follow the action on Paramount + and Twitch beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
This match features the return of six Dash stars who missed the first home game while on international duty in Europe with their respective countries. The players made their impact shortly after returning to Houston by helping the Dash defeat Kansas City NWSL in a dominant 3-1 performance. Midfielder Kristie Mewis, who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team to face Sweden and France early in April, scored a brace to lift the Dash over Kansas City. Mewis earned NWSL Player of the Week honors for her performance.
The six international Dash players will enjoy their first home game back at BBVA Stadium since Houston’s 4-1 win over North Carolina Courage on October 4.
<strong>WHO:</strong> |
<p>Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns FC </p> |
<strong>WHAT:</strong> |
<p>2021 NWSL Challenge Cup group match </p> |
<strong>WHEN:</strong> |
<p>Sunday, May 2 – 6:30 p.m. CDT </p> |
<strong>TV:</strong> |
<p>Paramount+ & Twitch (International) </p> |
Here are the three key points ahead of tomorrow night’s game:
1. HOUSTON LOOKS FOR UNBEATEN FINISH IN CHALLENGE CUP: The Dash look to make a strong statement in tomorrow night’s remaining group stage match as they focus on the upcoming NWSL regular season. With a win and two draws, Houston enters the final group stage contest unbeaten. Unfortunately for the Dash, Portland’s third victory against OL Reign secured a ticket for the Thorns to the Challenge Cup Final, leaving Houston with no possibility to repeat as Challenge Cup champions. Tomorrow’s match will be a meeting of two of the three remaining unbeatens in the league, along with NJ/NY Gotham FC in the Eastern Division.
2. SUNDAY SHOWDOWN FEATURES USWNT STARS: The match will feature six U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team players as both teams will have their full rosters available. Houston co-captain and goalkeeper Jane Campbell and goal-scoring machine Kristie Mewis will look to balance a clean sheet defense and successful attack against a strong Portland side. U.S. Women’s National Team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, defender Crystal Dunn, midfielder Lindsey Horan and rookie forward Sophia Smith will lead Portland into their last match before representing the Western Division in the Challenge Cup Final.
3. DASH GEAR UP FOR REGULAR SEASON: With Portland having already secured the top spot in the Western Division and a place in the Challenge Cup Final, Sunday’s match serves as an opportunity for the Dash to build momentum heading into the start of the 2021 NWSL regular season. Houston will kick off the 24-game regular season on Saturday, May 15 with a trip to Harrison, N.J. to face new-look NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena. Houston’s home opener will come a week later when they host Kansas City NWSL on Sunday, May 23 at 6 p.m. CDT.
