The Dash head to Los Angeles to take on Angel City in the team’s first regular season trip to the Golden State on Sunday afternoon at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles.
Houston enters the match following a 0-0 draw against OL Reign at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, June 17. Houston played with 10 players for the entirety of the second half after defender Natalie Jacobs was shown a red card. The defender was initially shown a yellow card by referee Danielle Chesky. The video assistant referee recommended a review that led to the yellow card being rescinded in favor of a straight red card. Houston held the Reign to no shots on target in the second half, despite being down a player. Overall, the Dash limited OL Reign to eight shots and only one effort on target during the first half.
Houston’s backline enters the match with the best goals against average in the entire league. Allowing only 10 goals through 12 regular season games this year. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell and the defensive unit have earned five clean sheets this season.
Four of Houston's players will join their respective national teams following the match against Angel City FC as preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins. Canadian midfielder Sophie Schmidt, defender Allysha Chapman and forward Nichelle Prince along with Nigerian forward Michelle Alozie will kick off the World Cup against one another in the opening match of group play on July 20.
Angel City FC enters Sunday’s match after a 2-1 road win over in-state rival San Diego Wave FC. ACFC scored two unanswered goals in the 69th and 88th minute to take the game on the road. ACFC is led by goalkeeper DiDi Haračić who anchors the team from goal and is fifth in the NWSL with 42 saves, sitting two saves ahead of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Eighteen-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft has kicked off her rookie season with three goals and was recently named to the United States Women’s National Team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Houston travels to North Carolina to take on the Courage on Saturday, July 1. Houston will then return home to face the Chicago Red Stars on Hispanic Heritage Night at Shell Energy Stadium on July 7.
