Four Houston Dash players return from international duty this weekend as the team travels to the Pacific Northwest to resume league play. Houston extended its six-game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory over the Boston Breakers in Week 15. Rookie goalkeeper Jane Campbell recorded her third shutout in six games and was one of three Houston players named to the NWSL Team of the Month, which included defender Amber Brooks and midfielder Andressinha.
Campbell joined midfielders Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd on the U.S. Women’s National Team to compete in the Tournament of Nations. Andressinha joined defender Bruna Benites on the Brazilian National Team and goalkeeper Lydia Williams joined Australia. Williams anchored a defense that held the USWNT scoreless leading to Australia’s first victory over the Americans after 28 attempts. Andressinha scored a brace and Benites scored her sixth international goal in a 4-3 loss to the USWNT in San Diego last Sunday.
Williams and Australia claimed the inaugural Tournament of Nations in Carson, Calif. on Thursday. Australia defeated Brazil 6-1 and the United States defeated Japan 3-0.
Portland will be without USWNT midfielder Tobin Heath, but forward Lindsey Horan and midfielder Allie Long will return to the Rose City after competing in the Tournament of Nations. The Thorns will likely count on French midfielder Amandine Henry and Icelandic forward Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who return after representing their countries in the 2017 UEFA European Championships. Forward Nadia Nadim will miss the match due to Denmark’s participation in the Euros.
Houston’s last, and to date only, victory in Oregon came in 2015 with a first half goal from Jessica McDonald. A victory on Saturday would improve Houston’s record against the Thorns to 3-4-2. A victory would also give the Dash their seventh victory of the season, the most in any single season for the club.
Houston returns to BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday, August 13 to host the two-time NWSL Champion, FC Kansas City, for the club’s inaugural 90’s Night. The first 1,000 fans into the stadium will receive their own limited-edition Dash slap bracelet. The celebration will begin at the Bud Light Beer Garden with Four Square and other popular playground games from back in the day. The party continues inside BBVA Compass Stadium when the Dash take it back to the 90's with throwback music, videos and in-game entertainment. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite 90's-inspired outfits. Fans in attendance will be able to take part in popular 90's games, crafts and activities throughout the night.
