Houston is looking to extend its unbeaten streak to six games against the North Carolina Courage. The Dash played to a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles against Angel City FC last weekend and helped propel the team to its best defensive start to a season since 2015. The team has allowed only 10 goals through 13 regular season games. Houston currently holds the best goals against average (GAA) in the NWSL with 0.83 goals allowed per game. North Carolina, who the Dash will visit this weekend is near that mark with a 0.87 GAA.
The Dash also made their mark in NWSL history after playing back-to-back matches down a player and not lose either match. Defender Katie Lind was sent off by the referee in the 58th minute of the match following a challenge on Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux.
Houston will be without six of its international players after they reported to their respective national teams for training camps ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Forward Nichelle Prince, defender Allysha Chapman, and midfielder Sophie Schmidt joined the Canadian Women’s National Team. Forward Michelle Alozie reported to the Nigerian Women’s National Team training camp and midfielder Havana Solaun joined the Reggae Girlz for the Jamaican Women’s National Team preparation camp. Houston’s newest addition of Andressa Alves was called up by the Brazilian Women’s National team for the tournament.
North Carolina enters the game on a three-game winning streak and in second place in the NWSL standings. The Courage have outscored their last three opponents 9-0 enroute to three consecutive clean sheets. Forward Kerolin leads the Courage in scoring with eight goals in the regular season, two goals behind Golden Boot leader Sophia Smith. Kerolin was named to the Brazilian Women’s National Team on Tuesday, June 27. North Carolina as an offensive unit has scored 19 goals in league play, which is fourth best in the NWSL.
Houston will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night on Friday, July 7 when the Dash return home to Shell Energy Stadium to host the Chicago Red Stars. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. CT.
