HOUSTON (August 30, 2024) - The Houston Dash close a four-game homestand across all competitions this Saturday, Aug. 31 when they host Utah Royals FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston is looking to go 3-1-0 across this stretch of games at home.
Goalkeeper Jane Campbell, defender Tarciane and forward Michelle Alozie returned to Shell Energy Stadium last week following their participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Houston lost 1-0 to the Orlando Pride last Friday following a breakaway goal from Summer Yates.
Campbell, who joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in France, made seven saves in her return to Shell Energy Stadium. Tarciane, who earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games, made four clearances and kept Orlando’s attack to one of its lowest goals scored tally this season. Alozie entered the match following the first half and was an instant spark in the final third by forcing a save and completing four passes in the final third.
Houston will be without rookie forward Amanda West, who was placed on the 45-day injury list due to a knee injury. The forward will be eligible to return at the end of September.
Earlier this week, Houston announced a four-year contract extension for veteran defender Paige Nielsen, which will begin on Jan 1, 2025. The Nebraska native joined Houston earlier this year following a trade with Angel City FC. Since arriving, Nielsen has appeared in 12 games for the Dash and has helped the team earn five clean sheets.
Utah travels to Houston for the first time since the 2019 NWSL regular season. The Royals currently sit in 14th place in the league standings with a 3-11-2 (WLD) overall record. The Salt Lake City based team earned its third regular season win on Aug. 23 after defeating Bay FC 2-1 at America First Field.
Rookie forward Ally Sentnor leads the Royals with three goals and three assists this season. Sentnor and Dash forward Avery Patterson played together at the University of North Carolina – Chappel Hill, where they reached the final of the 2022 Women's College Cup. Utah forward Cameron Tucker, who has scored a goal in 11 appearances in 2024, spent the 2023 regular season with the Dash.
The Dash will kick off September on the East Coast with back-to-back road trips, beginning with a match at Red Bull Arena against NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sept. 8. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. CT and will air live on ESPN 2. The Dash returns to the Space City on Saturday, Sept. 21 against Seattle Reign FC. Tickets for the match are available HERE.
