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As the 2015 NWSL playoffs near, the Houston Dash will need to scramble to get back to a position to make it to this year's post season. After dropping another three points at home last week against Sky Blue FC, that task might be a bit more than tall.
In front of a home crowd on Friday, the Dash's performance was less than stellar. While Carli Lloyd once again led the offense through multiple shots and pressure on the defense of Sky Blue, it would be Houston's back line that would once again show its failings. It showed the most in Sky Blue's second goal, where there was no one to break up the play after keeper Erin McLeod failed to stop SBFC Samantha Kerr's shot.
Even though they dropped the three points, Houston still holds the final playoff spot. However, to keep that, they need a very strong performance against league leaders Seattle Reign FC. And to do that, they will need a better defense.
Seattle is coming off a week break. Back on Aug. 1, they notched a 2-1 win against the Boston Breakers on the road. It was their third victory in a row. With an offensive force that includes Beverly Yanez and Kim Little, Seattle has moved four points ahead of the Chicago Red Stars in league standings.
Their defense will provide a hard task for Lloyd and the Dash's offense as well with Caroline Stanley in goal and defenders Rachel Corsie, Kendall Fletcher, Lauren Barnes, and Stephanie Cox holding a strong line. Houston will have to use speed to their advantage.
The game will kick off at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium.