:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46783008/Dash_vs_Spirit_1319.0.0.jpg)
After promises of seeing a victorious Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian, and Meghan Klingenberg return to the Houston Dash lineup last week, fans should finally get their wish as the Dash travel to take on FC Kansas City Monday. This will be the second match up of the two teams this season; the last match up ended in a 2-0 loss for Houston.
The Dash currently sit sixth in the league and are coming off their second straight loss. Last week, against the league leaders Chicago Red Stars, Houston dropped three points after keeping the scoreline even until the 75th minute. The loss against Chicago has set the Dash in a bit of a rut. Hopefully the promise of the return of the USWNT internationals - along with Canada international goalkeeper Erin McLeod - can put the Dash back on to winning ways.
Of course, Lloyd is a game changer and could provide the much needed fire power Dash need. Tiffany McCarty and Kealia Ohai were the duo who hooked up for Houston's one goal against the Red Stars, so their presence will continue to be a positive for the offense.
With Klingenberg in the back after an equally impressive World Cup run and McLeod in goal, the defense will also see a much needed boost. Hopefully steady enough to keep those late game winners to sneak up on the Dash.
While Houston is seeing a sudden losing streak, FC Kansas City is seeing a winning one. Their last match up against Boston Breakers ended in a 3-2 win and marked their second straight. These wins have been grabbed with the help of forward Shea Groom. A rookie for FCKC, she is leading the club with four goals in the 2015 season, three of them coming from the last three games including the game winner against Boston.
However, FCKC might find it difficult to repeat that success with Groom, who will miss the next four to six weeks with a broken bone in her right foot.
The Blues aren't without options however. The Dash will have to watch out for midfielder Erika Tymrak, who scored twice for FCKC in their last win. Her first goal in that game also was the fastest goal in NWSL history, notched just after 25 seconds.
The match will kick off at 7 p.m. Monday at the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City.