The Houston Dash will wrap up its three-game road stretch this week against the Portland Thorns on May 21. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m. CT and will be available to stream on Twitch.
Houston will travel to the West Coast for the first time this season. The Dash are in fourth place in league play with a 1-1-1 record behind the Thorns. Saturday’s match up marks the xx time that the two teams will meet across all competitions. The last time Houston traveled to Portland on Oct. 6, 2021 the Dash earned a 3-2 victory on the road.
The Dash are coming off a 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville FC on May 14. The Dash took the lead midway through the second half off a set piece. Racing’s goalkeeper made the save on Houston’s initial shot on goal but redirected the ball to forward Nichelle Prince, who sent the ball into the back of the net for the lead. Racing’s Jessica McDonald had the equalizer late in the second half.
Saturday’s match will mark the third game in eight days for Portland who played to a 1-1 draw against reigning NWSL Champion Washington Spirit. Portland played to a 0-0 draw against OL Reign on May 13.
The Dash will return to PNC Stadium to host the North Carolina Courage on May 29 in the first home game in three weeks. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. CT. Fans interested in attending the match can purchase tickets here.
Here are three key points ahead of Sunday's match:
- WRAPPING UP IN THE WEST: Saturday’s match will be the final game of Houston’s three-game road game slate. The Dash opened the 2022 NWSL regular season at home but have since then been on the road in Kansas City and Louisville. Saturday’s match will be the first time this season that Houston will travel to the West Coast and play a road match against a new opponent that was not in the same group as Houston in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
- EMILY OGLE’S RETURN: Midfielder Emily Ogle made her return to play on May 14 against Racing Louisville FC. Ogle, who suffered a season-ending injury last August, entered as a second half substitute and played 18 minutes in Houston’s 1-1 draw against the second-year expansion club. Ogle, who joined the Dash ahead of the 2021 regular season, began her professional career with Portland. The Thorns drafted Ogle in the third round of the 2019 NWSL Draft, Ogle made eight appearances for Portland.
- PORTLAND’S ATTACK: The Thorns lead the NWSL in shots on goal and are fourth in the leauge in goals with four. Portland’s attack includes forward Sophia Smith, who has recently become a mainstay on the USWNT. Smith is tied for second in the league with most shots on goal with seven on the year and scored in Portland’s midweek match against the Spirit.
