2016 Houston Dash Season Preview: Make or Break

The NWSL season is almost here so to prepare we gathered all of our Houston Dash writers to ask them about the offseason, the upcoming 2016 season and more. Each day this week we will release a new question or two that we had our staffers answer.

Who (player or staff) is this a make-or-break year for?

Meg: This will be an unpopular opinion I'm sure, but I'm going to say Kealia Ohai. I know there is an outcry to have her called up to the National Team, but I don't see it. If she wants a call-up, she's going to need to start producing goals...and learn how to stay onside.

Shana: It's definitely a make-or-break season for Melissa Henderson. She announced her retirement at the end of last season, did a little bit of offseason soul searching, and found herself coming back to the team for the 2016 season. I think this season is really going to say a lot for Henderson and the rest of her career in the NWSL. I'm confident that she's going to make a statement on the pitch, but it's definitely a make-or-break for her in 2016.

Daniel: Bianca Henninger. While Henninger has ascended to the number one role with the departure of Erin McLeod, backup Lydia Williams will be a formidable opponent. The Australian international previously played for Western New York Flash making 14 appearances replacing an injured Adrianna Franch in 2014. If Henninger falters early in the season, Williams' presence could spark a contest for the number one spot.

Is it a make-or-break year for Randy Waldrum? Photo Credit

Trask Smith

Trista: Honestly, in my opinion I think Randy Waldrum has got a lot to prove this season. Last year he had the pieces to make a better run for the title than what actually happened for the Dash. This year, again there have been a lot of moves and a lot more experience brought on to the team than has been in the past. Waldrum has an opportunity to put Houston in great playoff position. Also, I would like to see him build a stronger team, not just by using all these great players in the correct way, but building a camaraderie between the ladies.

Alicia: I think this is a make it or break it year for the team as a whole. This team has been so close so many times that fans have stuck around, but they are going to have to start making the playoffs if they want to keep those fans and maybe more importantly bring in new fans. We keep hearing what a great team the Dash is but so far it hasn't translated into playoff success or even making the playoffs for that matter. The team also lost fan favorites in Ella Masar and Erin McLeod. There are a lot of new fans that fans are going to have to find a connection with.

Who (player or staff) is this a make-or-break year for?