Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit Preview: Dash prepare for first game post-Waldrum

The Dash head to Maryland this weekend where they will face the Spirit in their first game this season since Houston and Head Coach Randy Waldrum parted ways. With a 2-win 5-loss record, I think it goes without saying that the Dash are looking for a huge W on Saturdayagainst the Spirit and their 1-win, 1-draw, and 5-loss record. Omar Morales will lead the charge gunning for a positive start on the right for his stint as an interim head coach.

Last week, Houston had too many missed opportunities and chances not taken that eventually cost them a 2-0 loss to Seattle. With an own-goal and a scary moment towards the end of the match with Rachel Daly collapsing from heat exhaustion, the Dash could really use good vibes. A win this week would mean an end to their 4-game losing streak and much needed momentum not only for the players and coaching staff, but the fans alike.

One of Houston’s two wins this season has come while hosting Washington Spirit where the Dash edged the Spirit 1-0, but they don’t have that great of an all-time record against Washington. The Spirit lead 6-1-2 in games played against the Dash. While the odds aren’t necessarily in Houston’s favor, the Spirit have only won one of four games at home this season; one of those losses at home was the Dash’s 1-0 win.

Fans can expect to see the Dash pushing hard for a win on Saturday. Gears are fired up and at this point, Houston has everything to prove if they want to improve from being second to last in the NWSL standings (just above Washington, ironically enough). With all 10 teams in the NWSL headed for a BYE week after this weekend for an international break for training camps and friendlies, a win would give Houston the chance to breathe a little easier before getting ready to come back on June 17 when they play host to the Orlando Pride.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyd, Maryland.