With only half of the 2018 season to go, the Houston Dash are still in the running for a playoff spot. Although it is still very possible, it won’t be too easy.
“We have to trust that we can be a part of the race now,” head coach Vera Pauw said. “It’s not just what you say, it’s your attitude.”
The Dash only have five home games left, one of which is today’s match again Portland Thorns FC. They have one home game in July, a midweek matchup against the Orlando Pride on July 11, and three home games in August, one against Utah Royals FC on August 5, one against the Washington Spirit on August 17, and the home finale against Sky Blue FC on August 25.
The Dash will be on the road for the remainder of the season. Their last match of the regular season will be against the top team in the league, the North Carolina Courage on September 8.
The Dash will also have to endure three more midweek games: Wednesday, June 27 against the Pride, Wednesday, July 11 again against the Pride, and Tuesday, August 21 against Seattle Reign FC. The last two matches are away matches and have a quick turnaround for the Dash, with a game following at the end of the same week.
The Houston Dash currently sit at seventh place on the NWSL table with 14 points. The second place standing currently has 19 points, showing just how close the fight for a playoff spot can be. With twelve games left, the Houston Dash are certainly not out of the playoff race.
“It will be a lot of hard work,” Pauw said. “There will be a lot of frustrations on that path, but I think we have the quality now and they are getting fitter and fitter.”
After the Dash’s match against Portland this Friday, the next three games are against teams No. 2 and 3 on the table: Seattle Reign FC and Orlando Pride. It is crucial for the Dash to earn results in these three games to continue to stay in the playoff race. Earning results against these teams will put them in a good position moving forward.
The key for Houston for the rest of the matches will be to take full advantage of their final five home games, using home field advantage and momentum to secure three points each match. Being able to win at home for each home match left would help Houston immensely as they endure tough road schedules with midweek games in the mix.
