After a thrilling win over the Orlando Pride at home, the Houston Dash are off to the west coast again. They face off against Portland Thorns FC for one last time this season.
Here are three keys to success:
1. Capitalize on Mistakes
Although Portland boasts of a talented defense, they too are susceptible to making mistakes in their defensive third. Being able to pounce on defensive mistakes is key against the reigning NWSL Champions. This is actually what led to midfielder Sofia Huerta’s first goal in orange last month, when miscommunication between Portland’s goalkeeper and center back provided Huerta with the opportunity to find the back of the net.
The Dash proved against the Pride just a few days ago that they’re able to score when they find themselves in transition. It’s something they’ve worked on over the past couple of games, and if given the opportunity against the Thorns, Houston’s attack will no doubt be able to find the back of the net.
2. Stay Alert
The Dash have shown they are still very much contenders for the playoff race as the season goes on. However, not staying alert defensively in matches has cost them a few times this season. This often happens for the Dash on a giveaway or turnover, and unfortunately for them there are times where they can’t organize quickly enough to prevent a goal.
This is crucial against the Thorns because with players like Lindsay Horan and Tobin Heath, the tempo of play changes very quickly once they’re operating in space and have numbers around them. The Dash need to be organized and discipline when it comes to the change of tempo in order to prevent Portland from scoring.
3. Possession
In the last match up between these teams, Portland’s goals didn’t come off a transition or giveaway; they came off of possession and building for the opponent. In order to prevent this, the Dash need to either maintain possession or at least be able to disrupt play frequently enough to stop Portland from creating an established rhythm.
The Dash may have one of the lower possession percentages in the league, but being able to hold on to the ball a little longer if only to keep Portland from establishing a threatening attack could go a long way to solidify three points.
