The Houston Dash will look to cap off the season with a victory as they take on Utah Royals FC tonight at 8 p.m. CDT at Rio Tinto Stadium. Dash are undefeated against Utah this season and will strive to take the season’s series with a third and final win against the Royals.
“We’ve had two great games against them – they’re a hugely talented team,” said Houston head coach James Clarkson. “We’re expecting a highly competitive game that we can hopefully end on a high note. It’ll be an enjoyable game.”
<strong>WHO:</strong> |
<p>Houston Dash (7-11-5; 26 pts.) vs. Utah Royals (9-10-4; 30 pts.) </p> |
<strong>WHEN:</strong> |
<p>Saturday, October 25 – 8:00 p.m. CDT </p> |
<strong>WHERE:</strong> |
<p>Rio Tinto Stadium – Salt Lake City, UT</p> |
<strong>TELEVISION:</strong> |
<p>Yahoo!Sports</p> |
Here are three key points ahead of tonight's game:
- TAKING SEASON SERIES AGAINST UTAH – The team will look to close the season on a high note on the road with a second victory at Rio Tinto Stadium. Despite not being able to claim a spot in the playoffs, the team will continue to fight to earn the remaining three points with the last victory and remain undefeated against the Royals. Early in the season, the Dash traveled to Salt Lake City to earn their second road win of the season. Houston forward Rachel Daly scored a brace to lift Dash over Royals in a 2-1 victory. Forward Sofia Huerta followed Daly’s steps to score a second brace against Utah at BBVA Stadium to claim the second victory. “Utah is such a solid team and they always have the same game plan,” says Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. “They stick to it to a tee and are very consistent. We’re fortunate that Rachel [Daly] scored two great goals the first time at their stadium – they’re always banging on our door. It’s going to be a battle.”
- NAIRN TO REACH 150 – A resilient and steady veteran, Dash midfielder Christine Nairn could cap off her seventh NWSL season by earning her 150thNWSL regular season appearance if she sees time on the field tonight. This season, Nairn sported the No. 10 jersey earning 21 appearances with one crucial goal against Reign FC in June and two assists. The midfielder, who brings international experience to the squad, would be the first NWSL player to ever reach the milestone.
- HOUSTON STRONG – During the season, Clarkson has repeatedly emphasized the grit that the team has shown on the field. Houston has endured a season full of competitive performances that aren’t reflected in their record due to unlucky outcomes throughout. Out of the team’s 11 losses, nine were decided by one goal. Behind their two leading scorers, Huerta and Daly who both have scored a brace against Utah, the team will look to finish as strong as possible in the standings. “If we continue to do what we’ve been successful with, we’ll continue to see results,” Nairn said.
