One Last Dash at the Reign

Though their playoff hopes are gone, the Houston Dash look to close out 2016 with a win during the last game of the regular season against Seattle Reign FC at BBVA Compass Stadium Sunday night.

Winning against the Reign will be a lofty goal for Houston. In the six consecutive meetings these two clubs have had, the Dash have failed to win or even tie with Seattle. But the ladies have a chance to play upsetters now as Reign look to their own playoff hopes.

The security of Seattle’s playoff hopes depends not just on securing three points against Houston, but on Western New York to lose against the Boston Breakers. The Dash’s defense will have to be on top of the usual suspects — Jessica Fishlock and Kim Little in the midfield, along with Rumi Utsugi, Nahomi Kawasumi, and Megan Rapinoe.

No post-season hopes isn’t ideal for the Houston Dash, but everything isn’t completely doom and gloom for the ladies. The team’s late season rally is due in part to the remarkable showing from forward Kealia Ohai. While the beginning of the 2016 season was dismal in way of scoring, Ohai has come roaring back, scoring 10 goals in the last nine games. This streak has helped Houston match a club win record within the second half of the season.

Ohai also has a chance to win the NWSL Golden Boot; she is currently tied with Western New York Flash’s Lynn Williams for the lead.

Other good news for Houston comes in the way of the return of Rachel Daly from national team duty. In her rookie season with the Dash, the forward also has been a pivotal point in the offense for Houston.

The match will kick off at 8:30 p.m. CDT and be broadcasted live on Fox Sports 1.