The NWSL returns this weekend from the Rio Olympic mini-vacation, but as discussed by so many other news outlets and blogs, the Dash is missing one key (and by key, I mean missing) player in their lineup. Rather than focusing attention on said MIA player, this preview is focused on the players that will actually return to duty this weekend.
Coming off a 2-1 loss to the Spirit and sitting five points above the bottom of the table, Houston will travel to New York to face a third-place team that is having a rather good season. While Houston's offense has struggled to score goals this season, former Dash player Jess McDonald leads the team with 7 goals and 6 assists (2nd in the league for both stats).
With Lydia Williams having returned to the team and Canadian back-up keeper Sabrina D'Angelo returning after an injury benched her pre-Rio, both may see playing time this weekend. Other Dash international players Janine Beckie, Morgan Brian, Andressa, and Poliana are all expected to be with the team this weekend, while Western New York's Abby Erceg and Alanna Kennedy are expected to suit up as well.
Allysha Chapman will not play this weekend due to a shoulder injury picked up in Canada's Quarterfinal game against France,
Game Info:
Houston Dash v. Western NY Flash
Rhinos Stadium, Rochester, New York
7:00PM EST