he Houston Dash return to BBVA Stadium for Pride Night as they host Orlando Pride for the two sides’ first meeting this season on Saturday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans can follow the action live on Paramount+ and international fans can stream the match live on Twitch.
This match marks the 14th matchup between the Dash and the Pride, with the Dash leading the series, 7-5-1. Houston currently holds a seven-match unbeaten streak against Orlando with six victories and a draw dating back to June 2018. Houston, who currently has a 2-1-3 record, is looking to earn their third victory of the season against the first place Pride.
Next week, the Dash is set to host OL Reign on Friday, July 2 at BBVA Stadium. For tickets and additional information, visit HoustonDash.com.
Here are the three key points ahead of Saturday’s game:
1. THE ‘SPACE RACE’ SERIES: Both Houston and Orlando launched a space-themed jerseys for the 2021 season creating a ‘Space Race’ rivalry between both Clubs. Although the ‘Space Series’ was born this year, Houston and Orlando’s rivalry dates back to the Pride’s inaugural season in 2016. Orlando was victorious in the first five meetings between the two sides, while Houston has built an unbeaten streak against the Pride that began in June 2019, all of which were under Dash head coach James Clarkson. Last season, the Dash faced the Pride in two matches during the Fall Series, defeating the Pride 3-1 at home and 2-1 in Orlando.
2. HOUSTON UNBEATEN AT HOME: The Dash have enjoyed making BBVA Stadium a difficult place for opponents to visit and enter Saturday’s game unbeaten since the 2019 season. The eight-game unbeaten streak is the longest in club history, beating their past record by four games with four wins and four ties. Last season, the Dash enjoyed the most successful year when they became the 2020 Challenge Cup Champions and finished as runners-up in the Fall Series by defeating North Carolina and Orlando at home. The Dash gave the Courage their first and biggest loss of 2020 in a 4-1 triumph in October.
3. OLYMPIC SEND OFF TO TOKYO: Saturday’s match will be the last regular season match for three Dash players before heading to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Dash midfielder Kristie Mewis is set to make her Olympic debut with the U.S. Women’s National Team after being named to Vlatko Andonovski’s 18-player roster earlier this week. Dash defender Allysha Chapman and forward Nichelle Prince will make their second Olympic appearance and look to claim their second medal after earning Bronze with Canada’s Women’s Soccer Team in the 2016 Rio Olympics. “I think it's amazing that they're going to the Olympics,” said Clarkson. “What an achievement that is, and we wish them the best of luck.”
