Houston Dash set to take on Washington Spirit

The Houston Dash are set to take on the Washington Spirit on Memorial Day in Maryland at 3pm CT. The Dash sit six point back of the Washington Spirit who sit tied for sixth place with Sky Blue FC.

The goals are coming

The Dash finally broke through with their first home goal of the season scored by Ella Masar in a loss to the Chicago Red Stars last Friday. Masar, Teresa Noyola and Jordan Jackson are the only players for the Dash who have scored so far this season. Austrian forward Nina Burger has had only one shot on goal in the four games she has played for the Dynamo this season. With the number of goal that the Spirit have given up over their last couple of game the Dash should be able to get into goal but they will have to make sure that they don't give up more goals than they can score. 

Speaking of giving up goals the Dash defense have given up 16 goals already this season. While their performance is usually okay they are punished by they mental lapses almost every game. Erin McLeod has been putting in amazing game after amazing game but hasn't been able to post a shutout yet this season but has already make 31 saves this season.The team is still without Megan Klingenburg and Whitney Engen who were playing for Tyreso in the Women's Champion League final. The pair who should be able to make up for the errors that the backline have been committing this season but won't be arriving in Houston until next week. 

The team will also be fighting a short turn around having just played against the Chicago Red Stars on Friday. The team also has a growing injury report and will be without Jordon Jackson who suffered a concussion in the match against the Red Stars. Erin McLeod, Osinachi Ohale and Teresa Noyola are all listed as probable for the game. 

Gathering Spirit

The Spirit defense had been shaky all season allowing 16 points by opponents in eight games played. After an injury to Toni Pressley right back Ali Krieger shifted over to center back. In the first game with Krieger at center back Bianca Sierra played at right back and the team came up with a 3-2 win over the Western New York Flash, but in the second game Crystal Dunn started in the position and the team posted a 3-3 tie with Sky Blue FC. 

While the Dash may be able to score goals against the Spirit, Washington is very strong on offense. Diana Matheson is currently ranked fourth in goals for the year tied with Allie Long of Portland and Jen Hoy from Chicago all with four goals on the year. Matheson has already suffered 13 fouls this year as teams know they need to stop her to try and slow down the Spirit. And while forward Jodie Taylor has scored just two goals this season she has 12 shots and six shots on goal already this season and the Dash defense will have to pay close attention to keep her from scoring more.

Both team desperately need points as they sit near the bottom of the standings. For the Dash to get them they will have to keep Washington from scoring and while it sounds simple the Dash have yet to post a shutout this season. Can they do it? Find out at 3pm CT as the take on the Washinston Spirit on the road.