The Dash (3-7-3, 12 points) return to NWSL action at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 at BBVA Compass Stadium as they host the Washington Spirit (9-3-2, 29 points). This match was originally scheduled for May 27, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather around the stadium.
The Spirit have won four out of their last five games and are currently level on points with league-leading Portland Thorns FC. Prior to the Olympic break, Washington defeated Sky Blue FC 3-1 at Maureen Hendricks Field in Washington with goals from Estefania Banini, Cheyna Williams and Alyssa Kleiner.
Washington will be without the NWSL Player of the Month for July, Banini. The Argentine international received the award after she scored four goals in July. The midfielder has scored five goals this season, which is tied for fourth-most in the league and has one assist. Joanna Lohman and Katie Stengel reinforce the attacking line and have combined for seven goals this season.
The squad is managed by Jim Gabarra, who has a 33-25-22 record in the NWSL. This is Gabarra’s first season with the Spirit after three years as the head coach of Sky Blue FC. The Florida native earned a record of 24-22-21 on the Sky Blue sideline.
Washington leads the all-time series with a record of 5-1-1 and has won the last three games. The Dash picked up their only win of the series last season in Houston’s home opener, a match that finished 2-0.
A late first half goal from Lohman secured the three points for Washington in the last meeting between both clubs on May 14.
The seven Dash national team players that represented their country at the Rio Olympic Games return to BBVA Compass Stadium in September. The first match of the month is against Alex Morgan and the Orlando Pride on Sept.3. Fans can watch the Dash against the Pride, Boston Breakers or Seattle Reign with our Club and Country 2-pack available at HoustonDashSoccer.com/Tickets.
