The Houston Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium on Wednesday to host the defending NWSL Champion, Portland Thorns FC, for their first meeting of the regular season. Portland is led by U.S. Women’s National Team stars Tobin Heath and Lindsay Horan, along with former Dash midfielder Andressinha.
The Dash return to Texas after picking up their first win of the season, topping Sky Blue FC 3-2 last Saturday at Yurcak Field. Nichelle Prince scored her first goal of the season off an assist from her Canadian Women's National Team teammate Lindsay Agnew. Rachel Daly started as a forward for the first time this season and scored the second goal of the game in the second half after her shot from the flank caught the Sky Blue keeper off guard at the near post. Rookie Veronica Latsko sealed the win minutes after entering the game off a low cross from South African international Thembi Kgatlana at the far post for her first goal of the season.
The Thorns lead the all-time series 6-2-2. Last season, they played to a draw in the first encounter of the season at BBVA Compass Stadium before winning the next two matches at Providence Park.
Portland enters the game on a three-game winless streak that was extended last Saturday in a 3-2 defeat to Seattle Reign FC at Providence Park despite scoring her 12th career goal for the club and her third of the season. Portland also feature Canadian Women's National Team icon Christine Sinclair, who leads the team with four goals and two assists this season.
This is the first time the Dash will face Andressinha after she was traded to the Thorns in the offseason. The Brazilian joins Australians Ellie Carpenter and Haley Raso on the roster after international competition delayed their debuts this season.
This is the second of three games for Houston over an eight-day span. Next up, the team will travel to Toyota Park to prepare for their final regular season meeting with the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 7 p.m., and it will be streamed live on the go90 app or NWSLSsoccer.com for fans outside of the U.S.
Houston returns to BBVA Compass Stadium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday May 23 to host Allie Long, Megan Rapinoe and Seattle Reign FC.
