Soccer Tejas
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The Houston Dash will return to action following the midseason break with an exciting international friendly against Rayadas de Monterrey from Liga MX Femenil on Tuesday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.
TICKETS: Houston Dash vs. Rayadas de Monterrey
This matchup marks the first time the two sides meet since 2018, when the Mexican side visited Houston Sports Park for an exhibition match that helped strengthen ties between the NWSL and Liga MX Femenil.
Rayadas are one of Mexico’s most dominant clubs in women’s soccer with four league titles, the second-most of any club, in the Apertura 2019, Grita México 2021, Clausura 2024, Apertura 2024 seasons.
The Mexican powerhouse has also shown it can compete internationally as one of the teams that participated at the 2022 Women’s International Champions Cup and reaching the final. The Nuevo Leon side also competed in the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup.
For the Dash, this friendly is a valuable chance to test themselves against a top club. The Houston club has had its bumps on the road this season, winning more away games than homes games and having many hard-fought games come to an unfavorable end.
This can be the start of growing momentum for the second half of the NWSL season and engage Houston’s passionate fan base with an exciting cross-border matchup. The Dash currently sits in the 12th place in the NWSL standings.
Broadcast Information
The match is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff and will be streamed on DeportesNation.com, the Deportes Nation app, and across select @deportesnation social media channels. The broadcast will have Spanish commentary with a pregame and postgame show.
Players to Watch
Houston Dash
- Avery Patterson (Forward): A key attacking threat with speed and creativity, Patterson will be looking to break down Monterrey’s organized defense.(If she plays, she was with the USWNT)
- Jane Campbell (Goalkeeper): One of the league’s top shot-stoppers, Campbell’s leadership and reflexes will be critical in containing Monterrey’s dynamic forwards.
- Kiki Van Zanten (Midfielder): A rising star in Houston’s midfield, Van Zanten’s connection between defense and attack will be key against Rayadas’ high-pressure style.
CF Monterrey Femenil
- Christina Burkenroad (Forward): The striker is one of Liga MX Femenil’s top scorers and a consistent match-winner for Monterrey.
- Diana Evangelista (Midfielder): Known for her creativity and quick feet, Evangelista is capable of unlocking defenses and dictating the tempo in the final third.
- Merel van Dongen (Defensa): With her experience and talent she will be difficult for Dash offense to fool and get through her defense.
Key Game Points
- Cross-border showcase: This match gives both teams a chance to test themselves in a unique, international context — the Dash can measure up against one of Mexico’s best, and Rayadas get valuable exposure to NWSL-level competition.
- Fitness and depth: For Houston, it’s a chance to give minutes to younger players and test squad depth while keeping key players in Rhythm during the break.
- Fan engagement: With a large local Mexican community, and many of them being Monterrey fans, plus a shared fan interest in both leagues, this friendly will celebrate the growth of women’s soccer on both sides of the border.
This midseason friendly promises an electric atmosphere at Shell Energy Stadium and an opportunity for players, fans, and both clubs to build connections and celebrate the growing rivalry between NWSL and Liga MX Femenil teams.
