The Dash continues their pursuit to return to the NWSL Playoffs with a match against the Kansas City Current on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.
Houston enters the match following a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit. The Dash were trailing late in the match after conceding a goal in the 63rd minute of the game. Forward María Sánchez scored the equalizer in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to give Houston a crucial point. Forward Ebony Salmon began the play on the right side of the field, the 22-year-old crossed the ball into the box for Sánchez who was waiting at the near post. The Mexican international then hit the ball with her knee past Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who finished with eight saves.
In the 58th minute Dash forward Nichelle Prince made her season debut as a second-half substitute. Prince, who had been sidelined for the majority of the season due to ruptured Achilles tendon suffered at the end of 2022, came into the match and instantly made an impact. In 32 minutes of play, Prince created two scoring chances. Prince first returned to the field at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the Canadian Women’s National Team as a substitute in the opening match of the group stage against Nigeria.
Kansas City travels to Houston for the final meeting between the two teams for the 2023 regular season. The Dash and Current have met three times already this year, once in the regular season and twice in the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Houston beat Kansas City in the first regular season meeting on May 26 after forward Diana Ordóñez and defender Ally Prisock scored to give the Dash the victory.
The Current enter the game following a 1-0 win over OL Reign at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Forward Cece Kizer scored the lone goal of the game in the 61st minute to give the home team the win in the first regular season match since the World Cup began.
Houston will celebrate Inspiring Women’s Night on Saturday evening. Players will wear special warm up tops which highlight women that have made a positive impact in their lives. Prior to the match, VOICEINSPORT founder and CEO Stef Strack will join the Houston Dash for a pre-match networking event in the East Club.
The Dash will travel to the West Coast for the last time this season to take on San Diego Wave FC on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
