The Houston Dash will look for their first victory of the 2021 NWSL regular reason campaign against NJ/NY Gotham FC tomorrow night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Fans and media can follow the action on Paramount + and Twitch beginning at 6 p.m. CDT.
This match marks the regular-season opener for both teams and the Dash’s first visit to Red Bull Arena, the home of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.
<strong>WHAT:</strong> |
<p>NJ/NY Gotham vs. Houston Dash </p> |
<strong>WHEN:</strong> |
<p>Saturday, May 15 – 6:00 p.m. CDT </p> |
<strong>TV:</strong> |
<p>Paramount+ & Twitch (International) </p> |
Here are the three key points ahead of tomorrow night’s game:
1. DASH CAPTAIN RACHEL DALY LOOKS TO BREAK ALL-TIME SCORING RECORD: Dash captain and England Womens National Team forward Rachel Daly is one goal shy of breaking the club’s all-time goal scoring record, currently tied with former Dash forward Kealia Watt with 28 goals. Daly, the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup MVP and Golden Boot winner, was drafted by Houston in 2016 and has remained with the club ever since. The Harrogate, England native led the team to the first league title in club history last season and will look to lead the squad to earn a spot in this season’s playoffs for the first time.
2. HOUSTON LOOKS FOR FIRST VICTORY: The New Jersey-based club played in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship game against Portland Thorns last Saturday, losing to the Thorns in penalty kicks. This weekend, both the Dash and Gotham will look to start the regular season on a high note with an opening-day win. The match will feature four USWNT stars, two from each team. Former Dash star Carli Lloyd and defender Midge Purce will look to defend the win at home against Dash co-captain and goalkeeper Jane Campbell and midfielder Kristie Mewis.
3. FIRST MATCH AT RED BULL ARENA: This season, the Dash will begin the regular season at Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls, and finish traveling back East to play Washington Spirit at Audi Field where DC United plays. Counting home matches at BBVA Stadium, the Dash will play 17 of their 24 matches in stadiums that host Major League Soccer matches. “I think it creates the right environment for the players,” said Clarkson. “We saw that when we went to Kansas City the other week and we played there, not in the baseball field. It's the platform that I think these players deserve and I think its vitally important for the growth of the league. More teams are playing in top-notch facilities.”
