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Houston Dash
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The Houston Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday night looking to secure another home victory and continue building confidence as they host the Portland Thorns, one of the league’s contenders.
After a hard-fought 1-0 road win over Seattle Reign, the Dash moved up to 10th place in the NWSL standings. With a renewed sense of belief, they now look to claim their fourth win of the season and establish some much-needed consistency on home turf.
The visiting Portland Thorns, currently in 6th place, are coming off a 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave. Though their early-season form has been uneven, Portland remains a dangerous side with one of the most talented attacking cores in the league.
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. CT kickoff and will be broadcast internationally on NWSL+. Deportes Nation will have the Spanish audio broadcast on DeportesNation.com, our mobile app, and across our social media channels.
Players to Watch
Houston Dash:
- Yasmeen Ryan and Avery Patterson combo: This combo’s intelligent, quick movement and control of the pace of the match are crucial. They are expected to play a pivotal role in the build-up to the match.
- Jane Campbell – Coming off another clean sheet, Campbell has been a steady presence in goal and will need to be sharp against Portland’s high-powered offense.
Portland Thorns:
- Sam Coffey – Portland’s midfield general is known for her composure on the ball and ability to dictate tempo.
- Riley Turner– Is a talented forward that has scored 3 goals in 9 games and possess and if given the opportunity will try to score against the Dash.
Key Game Points
- Momentum Shift for Houston – After a huge road win, the Dash are looking to carry that energy back home and make Shell Energy Stadium a tough place to play.
- Containment of Riley Turner – Keeping Portland’s top scorer in check will be one of Houston’s biggest challenges.
- Midfield Matchup – Yasmeen Ryan vs. Sam Coffey promises to be a key battle in determining which team controls possession and dictates play.
- Houston’s Defensive Growth – With improved defensive organization, the Dash will aim to frustrate a Portland team known for explosive attacks, but they will need to be consistent in order to null the rival.
Possible Outcomes
- Houston Win: If the Dash can replicate their discipline and energy from the Seattle match, they have a real shot at grabbing three points and climbing the table.
- Draw: A tightly contested battle with strong defensive performances on both sides could end in a share of the spoils.
- Portland Win: If the Thorns find early rhythm, they could take control and punish any defensive lapses from the Dash.
Kickoff is set for Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium, and with both teams aiming to make a statement midseason, expect a high-intensity clash filled with playoff implications. The odds seam stacked against the Dash, but at home games are different and the Dash must show they are in control at home.
