The Houston Dash are leading the way in growing the relationship between the NWSL and LigaMX Femenil – which in turn only helps elevate women’s soccer in North America. The two leagues are a combined 15 years old. The NWSL, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, began in 2012. Meanwhile, LigaMX Femenil is in its fifth year and is growing at an accelerated pace.
Houston will get to witness the growth this week as they train in Mexico’s capital as part of their preparations for their preseason game against Pumas Femenil on Wednesday.
Dash forward Maria Sanchez has the unique experience of playing in both leagues. For the last two years, Sanchez spent time in LigaMX with Chivas and Tigres, before returning to the NWSL and joining the Dash this past offseason. The forward made her professional debut stateside with the Chicago Red Stars after being selected in the 2019 NWSL College Draft.
“I think it’s really important for both leagues,” Sanchez said. “For the Mexican league, which is a growing league, they can see the level of play in the NWSL and where they can grow. For us in the NWSL, going to Mexico will be good to see the culture and style of play. What these clubs are doing and their history. I think it’s a benefit for both clubs.”
The international friendly against Pumas on Wednesday marks the fifth time that the Dash have played a LigaMX Femenil team. With the exception of 2020, the Dash have played a friendly with a LigaMX Femenil team since 2018.
Dash head coach James Clarkson says partnerships between both clubs in each of the leagues will not only provide great working relationships but also help strengthen the sport on an international level.
“The relationships between both league is vitally important,” Clarkson said. “For us as a professional team, growing the game locally, nationally and internationally is hugely important. It’s close. Going [to Mexico] is a lot closer than some of our games in the league. To build that international experience for our players to play and travel is important to our own development.”
Wednesday’s match in Mexico City marks the second time that the Dash have traveled to Mexico to play, however it is the first time that the team has come to the Mexican capital to train for a week during the NWSL preseason. Clarkson said trips like the one the Dash are currently on provide the team with crucial experiences that help build team chemistry leading up to the NWSL Challenge Cup and regular season later this year.
Sanchez, who represents Mexico as a member of El Tri’s national team, says the rich history of all the clubs has helped the women’s division grow. The UNAM Pumas organization was founded almost 70 years ago and is one of the most popular and well-known soccer clubs in Mexico.
Sanchez says she is excited to play in Mexico once again, this time for the Dash.
“I’m excited to be there,” Sanchez said. “It’s going to be from a different point of view. It’s a different feeling now that I’m with Houston. I’m excited for the food, to show my teammates the culture and to be in Mexico again.”
The Dash will take on UNAM Pumas Femenil on Wednesday at 10 a.m. CT at the Cantera Del Puma in Mexico City.
