The Houston Dash (3-7-2, 11 points) host the Western New York Flash (8-5-1, 25 points) this Saturday (7 p.m., HoustonDashSoccer.com/Tickets) for their first meeting of the regular season. This will be the final match for both clubs before group play for the Olympic Games begins in Rio de Janeiro.
The Flash are in third place through 14 games this season; and prior to this match, the Flash returned to Rhinos Stadium last Saturday to host the two-time defending NWSL Champion, FC Kansas City. A second-half goal from Shea Groom gave the champions a 1-0 victory and Western New York their fifth loss of the season.
The Flash are led by first-year head coach Paul Riley, who has a 24-22-12 record in the NWSL. Prior to coaching Western New York, Riley spent two seasons with Portland Thorns FC, leading them to the playoffs in 2014.
With the Olympic Games around the corner, Western New York will be without defenders Abby Erceg (New Zealand), Alanna Kennedy (Australia), Samantha Mewis (U.S.) and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo (Canada).
The story of the season for the Flash has been the 13 goals scored between forward Lynn Williams and former Dash forward Jessica McDonald. Williams leads the league in goals this season with seven and McDonald is tied for second. Additionally, McDonald is tied with Portland midfielder Tobin Heath for the most assists in the league this season with five.
Midfielder Lianne Sanderson, who has scored three goals and has one assist this season, is another potential impact player for the Flash. If healthy, Jaelene Hinkle can provide an offensive boost from left back. So far, the defender has three assists and one goal this season. Hinkle missed Western New York’s last match with a right ankle sprain.
The Dash lead the all-time series with a record of 4-1-0 and a 2-1-0 record at BBVA Compass Stadium. Their last meeting was last year on July 25 in a game that the Dash won 1-0 with a goal from USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd.
Projected Starting XI: Katelyn Rowland; Liz Eddy, Abby Dahlkemper, Courtney Niemiec, Janice Cayman; Michaela Hahn; Makenzy Doniak, Lianne Sanderson, McCall Zerboni; Lynn Williams, Jess McDonald.
This match is part of the Dash and Dynamo’s “Dog Days of Summer” weekend presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The Bud Light Beer Garden will be dog-friendly, and a special ticket package will give fans a commemorative dog leash courtesy of Tito’s. For tickets to the match on July 30 or any other Houston Dash home match, visit HoustonDashSoccer.com, call 713-276-GOAL or stop by the BBVA Compass Stadium box office.
