HOUSTON (April 26, 2024) – The Houston Dash will close a two-game road trip on Saturday, April 27, when they face Utah Royals FC at America First Field at 6:30 pm. CT. The trip marks the first time Houston returns to Utah since 2020, when they lifted the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup trophy.
Houston is in search of its second victory of the season after falling on the road to the Portland Thorns last Saturday. Forward Diana Ordóñez continues to provide an offensive spark for the Dash, scoring her third goal of the season last Saturday. The Mexican international leads the team with three goals, matching her 2023 total.
Several fresh faces are expected to make an appearance for the Dash this Saturday in Utah. Forward Ramona Bachmann will be available for selection on Saturday after joining the team last week following a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Defender Paige Nielsen, who was acquired via a trade with Angel City FC last week, is also available for selection. Nielsen, an NWSL Champion with the 2021 Washington Spirit, comes to Houston to reinforce the backline. The veteran defender made 37 starts in 43 appearances in three seasons with Angel City FC, including three starts in 2024.
Utah enters Saturday’s match at the bottom of the league table with a 1-4-0 (WLD) record following a 5-1 loss to Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky last Saturday. The Royals aim to secure their first result since Week 2 of the NWSL regular season, where they defeated North Carolina at home. Utah forward Ally Sentnor leads the team in goals scored with two and has been involved in 20 of the Royals’ 50 shot attempts this season.
Saturday will mark the ninth historical meeting between the two teams since 2018. Utah leads the series with a record of 3-3-2 (WLD) and a slight edge of one goal in the goal difference. A victory on Saturday would be the second Dash triumph over the Royals on the road in regular season play. Houston defeated Utah in the last meeting between the two teams following a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
The Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, May 5 to host Kansas City Current at 12 p.m. CT for the first of four home games in the month of May. Fans can purchase tickets to the match HERE. Fans above the age of 21 can also purchase a special Cinco De Mayo promotion, which includes entrance to the game and a margarita by clicking HERE.
