The Houston Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium Friday night to host the Washington Spirit in the series finale between the two clubs, presented by Houston Methodist. Houston returns home from New Jersey after picking up a 2-1 victory over Sky Blue FC last weekend. Friday’s match is Back to School Night, as the club celebrates the start of a new academic year for our young fans – and their parents.
Forward Rachel Daly scored her second brace of the season in Saturday’s victory, her second of the season. The forward has now scored a team-leading nine goals and is two goals shy of the top mark in the league. Kealia Ohai tallied her third assist of the season last Saturday as she beat a defender off the dribble along the sideline before finding Daly at the near post. The captain has now contributed to a goal in four of Houston’s last six games.
With the victory over Sky Blue, Houston remain in playoff contention as they sit four points away from the final playoff spot with four games left in the regular season. Additionally, Houston set a new franchise record for points earned in a season with 26 after picking up the full three points in the Garden State. With a victory tonight, the Dash would set a new franchise record for victories in a season with eight.
The Washington Spirit enter the match winless in their last 11 matches, including a seven-game losing streak. The Spirit have remained competitive during this streak as they have lost by one goal in three of their last six games. That includes a 1-0 loss to Houston on July 22 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Rachel Daly’s third-minute effort was enough to give Houston its second victory over the Spirit this season.
The Spirit will look to Ashley Hatch and U.S. Women’s National Team stars Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh to snap a four-game scoreless streak. Washington has only scored 11 goals this year, the fewest in the league. Defensively, Aubrey Bledsoe leads the league in saves with 93 and will seek her fifth shutout of the season.
Looking ahead for Houston, the Dash will have a quick turnaround as they travel to the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday for a midweek clash with Seattle Reign FC. Houston returns to BBVA Compass Stadium on Aug. 25 to host Carli Lloyd and Sky Blue FC in the regular season home finale, presented by BBVA Compass.
