The Houston Dash look for their first victory under interim head coach Omar Morales on Saturday as they host five-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Marta, U.S. Women’s National Team veteran Ali Krieger and the Orlando Pride at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Six players that reported for national team duty will return to Houston this weekend, including the two-time and current FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd, who won the FA Cup with Manchester City Women’s Football Team last month. Lloyd could potentially make her season debut on Saturday after rejoining the Dash late in the week.
Janine Beckie, who scored a hat trick in Canada’s 4-0 victory over Costa Rica last Saturday, and Nichelle Prince return after back-to-back victories over their CONCACAF rival during the international window. Irish midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and Brazilian playmaker Andressinha also claimed positive results during the FIFA window. O’Sullivan and Ireland scrapped with Iceland for a scoreless draw in Dublin on Saturday, while Andressinha tallied an assist as the Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated Spain 2-1 in Madrid over the weekend.
Orlando enter Week 9 with a 2-3-3 record after defeating the Boston Breakers 2-0 prior to the international break. This will be the first opportunity for fans see the Marta, who joined the Pride at the beginning of the season. The Brazilian legend has scored three goals and tallied an assist in seven appearances for Orlando. Marta was just one of many offseason changes for the Florida side, who added Krieger to the back line in a trade with the Washington Spirit. The Pride also boosted their depth up front in the offseason by trading for forward Chioma Ubogagu and signing Camila, both former Houston Dash players.
Houston will travel to Orlando next week for the final match in the season series between the clubs. After that match, the Dash will return to BBVA Compass Stadium on June 28 to host Boston for the club’s fourth annual Pride Night. Special Dash Pride Night ticket packages are available for only $25 and include one ticket to the match, as well as one Dash Pride tee. Portions of the proceeds from Dash Pride Night ticket packages sold will benefit The Montrose Center. Dash Season Ticket Members and Dash fans can also make a $15 ticket donation and receive a Dash Pride tee. For more information, visit HoustonDashSoccer.com/Pride.
