Dash Head to New Jersey to Face Sky Blue FC

Coming off a 2-0 win over the Washington Spirit, the Dash hope to carry the momentum into their away game this Saturday against Sky Blue FC.  The game will also see the debut of Canadians Allysha Chapman and Lauren Sesselmann, along with the return of goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

While the defeat of the Spirit is exciting for fans, it should not go without noting the heart of Washington's defense, Ali Krieger, was notably absent for most of the game. This past weekend, Sky Blue knocked off the 2014 NWSL Champions with a 1-0 win over Kansas City, proving they may prove more of a challenge than a shaky Spirit team.

Things to Watch For:

The Return of the Canadians

Lauren Sesselmann recently played her first game for Canada in over a year, giving hope to many that we will see her in an orange and blue jersey soon. Newly allocated Allysha Chapman will also be a welcome addition to the Dash backline

With Nadia Nadim making her mark as a proven scorer and with the Canadians on hand, Waldrum could very well start Erin McLeod in goal.  This would also give an idea of what the Post World Cup-Dash keeper can do with a backline compilation of fellow-Canadians, U.S. National Teamers, and relatively new-to-defending players.

Kealia Ohai & Carli Lloyd (and Sky Blue's Nadia Nadim)

We know they can score goals.  Expect more from both of them (just not Nadim in this game).

The Backline

With the rotation of National Teamers in and out of the player pool, the chemistry amongst the defenders will be key. College draft pick Carleigh Williams is untested on the professional level of play, while only time will tell if the recent switch of Ella Masar to defense is a good one (so far the signs are positive, provided she stays healthy and doesn't rack up yellow cards).

Game Info:
Houston Dash v. Sky Blue FC
Saturday, April 18th, 2015
7:00EST