This Sunday’s season opener will be the first step toward that goal of getting to the NWSL Final. Final or bust for the Red StarsĪfter another disappointing loss in last season’s semi-finals, Chicago look to take the next step forward as a club. Houston will have to take advantage of all the injuries Chicago is dealing with.Ĭlick the links for VAVEL USA's 2018 Houston Dash Team Preview and 2018 Houston Dash Final Roster. Sunday will give us a view of what these young players can do, but it will be a tough test against an experienced Chicago Red Stars team. From left to right: Kristie Mewis, Rachel Daly, Amber Brooks and Kealia Ohai show off Houston Dash new kit. For now, Daly can be put back to her natural forward position to cover those two players. Additionally, Thembi Kgatlana is having visa issues and will not be available for the Dash this weekend. Houston will have to wait five weeks for Australian star Kyah Simon to make her return to the NWSL from international duty but they feel as though they have enough depth to not feel er absence too keenly. Forwards Savannah Jordan, Canadian Nichelle Prince and the returning Kealia Ohai, are all capable of putting the ball in the net as well. Midfielders like Kristie Mewis, Mana Shim, Allison Wetherington, Claire Falknor and South African Linda Motlhalo have the speed needed the bring the ball up to the strikers.

The current youth on the roster can bring speed to Houston’s attack. Campbell went on to say that many may have their concerns about the team, which they can work with as the roster feels that can produce their practice form during the season and do well for themselves. Campbell is optimistic of the team in front of her, telling the Chronicle that “it’s definitely a lot of new faces, young faces, maybe some names people don’t really know about' which Campbell feels can be a 'blessing in disguise' for the Dash. Supporting Campbell on the back line will be defenders Lindsay Agnew, Amber Brooks, Janine Van Wyk and forward turned defender, Rachel Daly. US international goalkeeper Jane Campbell returns to the Dash for her sophomore season and will have to take what she has learned from her time with the United States Women's National Team to withstand Chicago’s offense. Hill of the Houston Chronicle earlier, stating that she thinks it's a “group that can really go to heights because there’s so much talent in it.”

The former head coach of South Africa was hired last November and is looking to find a new identity for a fresh faced 2018 squad. New Houston Dash Head Coach Vera Pauw will look to win her first match in the National Women's Soccer League. The Dash look to improve on a disappointing eighth place 2017 finish while the Red Stars look to return to the NWSL Playoffs for a fourth straight season. As the season begins, both teams will try to look past the Christen Press offseason situation. The past two seasons the Houston Dash have taken the opening day matches from the Chicago Red Stars, each by two goal margins. Chicago Red Stars travel to Houston Dash to open the 2018 regular season.

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