Sunday’s match will be the third match between the two teams this year and the first of the 2022 NWSL regular season. The Dash and Current were both placed into the Central Division for the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. Kansas City finished top of the group and advanced to the semifinal round against North Carolina.
The Dash are coming off a 1-0 loss to San Diego Wave FC last Sunday at PNC Stadium. Houston limited the San Diego offense, which features USWNT star Alex Morgan, for more than 80 minutes in the match. However, a goal from Jodie Taylor put the Wave ahead in the final minutes of the game to give San Diego three points.
Kansas City enters Sunday’s game with back-to-back losses after they fell 2-1 in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal to North Carolina on Wednesday night at home. The Current opened the 2022 NWSL regular season with a 3-0 loss on the road against the Portland Thorns. Kansas City found itself trailing to the Thorns early in the match after Portland’s Morgan Weaver scored in the eighth minute. Second half goals from Christine Sinclair and Sophia Smith led the Thorns to a victory over Kansas City.
The Dash will be back on the road for second straight week to face Racing Louisville FC next weekend at Lynn Family Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans will be able to watch the match on Twitch.
Here are three key points ahead of Sunday's match:
- DASH BEGIN THREE-GAME ROAD TRIP: Sunday’s match in Kansas City marks the start of three consecutive weeks on the road for Houston. Following Sunday’s match the Dash will travel to Kentucky to take on Racing Louisville FC on May 14 for the third time this year, but this is the first meeting of the regular season. Houston will wrap up the three-game slate by heading to the West Coast for the first time this year to take on the Portland Thorns on May 21.
- NEW FACES PLAYING KEY ROLES: From NWSL veterans and rookies to players with a few years of experience, the fresh faces on the Dash are continuing to make an impact on the pitch. Midfielder Marisa Viggiano was tied for the most recoveries against the Wave with eight and was also tied for the most tackles won with three. Dash forward Michaela Abam led the team with four shots against San Diego last Sunday and she forced a save in the 21st minute. Rookie forward Ryan Gareis made her regular season debut and her sixth consecutive appearance for the team on Sunday, she came off the bench and finished third on the team in total crosses. Additionally, midfielder Elizabeth Eddy won five of her seven duels in Sunday’s match against the Wave.
- THREE GAMES IN EIGHT DAYS: After advancing to the semifinal round of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup, the Current currently navigate a three-game stretch in two competitions. Kansas City opened the regular season on the road against Portland on April 30. The Current then returned to Kansas City to host the North Carolina Courage on Wednesday evening and now face the Dash on Sunday. Kansas City will look to bounce back after back-to-back losses, the Current will play in its third game in eight days on Sunday and host its second game in five days.
