W-League Preview: Dash players get underway in first week of the season

Four Houston Dash players prepare for their season opener in the W-League this weekend as Australia’s top division of women’s soccer returns for its 11th season.

Midfielder Sofia Huerta and Sydney FC will take on Melbourne Victory, which features Dash midfielder Haley Hanson, for their season opener of the 2019-20 season tonight at 11:00 p.m. CDT at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Carlton, Australia. Forward Veronica Latsko will wear Sky Blue alongside Huerta as she continues her rehabilitation from her season-ending injury that occurred on May 10.   

Hanson can make her debut in the W-League, while Huerta returns to Sydney for the second consecutive season. Last season, Huerta played every minute of every game, scoring the game-winning goals in the semi-final against Brisbane Roar. In the Grand Final, Huerta scored again and helped Sydney become the W-League's 2018-19 champion with a 4-2 victory against Perth Glory. 

Defender Ari Romero will be part of Perth Glory’s backline as they take on Canberra United tonight at 11:00 p.m. CDT at McKellar Park in Canberra, Australia. This season will be Romero’s second with the Glory after completing the 2016-17 season as the runners up alongside captain Sam Kerr.  

This week, defender Amber Brooks and Adelaide United played Western Sydney for their season opener at Marconi Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Adelaide United fell to North Carolina Courage’s Kristen Hamilton and Western Sydney with a late goal in the 92^nd minute that gave the Wanderers the victory, 2-1. Brooks earned the 2019 Defender of the Year voted by the team this season.