Houston Dash take on top of the league North Carolina Courage

The Houston Dash host a depleted North Carolina Courage on Sunday afternoon. The top team in the NWSL comes to town as the Dash have started to surge.

The Houston Dash are coming off of a big win over the Washington Spirit which saw them win 3-2. Rachel Daly, who has been on fire the last few weeks, scored a brace in the game which included a roll in goal. Ashley Hatch was able to score a late goal for the Spirit but the Dash held on for the win.

The Courage are coming off a 4-1 win over the Portland Thorns. Lynn Williams scored a brace in the game while Sam Mewis and Debinha each scored a goal. Williams started the scoring in the 31st minute on a penalty kick. All four the Courage’s goals were scored by the 64th minute with the lone Thorn goal coming in the 89th minute of the game.

The Dash and Courage faced each other back in April in a game that ended in a 2-0 victory for the Courage. North Carolina hasn’t lost a game yet this season but the game against the Dash may be a big challenge for them as they have six players gone for international duty. To help complete their roster they have signed four players as national team replacements and defender Yuri Kawamura as been added to the active roster from injury. While Daly has been called up by England for their June 8 World Cup qualifier, she will be available for Sunday’s game.

Even with the loss of their international players the Courage still have top players to start on Sunday. Jessica McDonald is a scoring power house. McDonald has scored four goals this season putting her in third place for goals scored this season. Also, tied for third with four goals is the Dash’s Rachel Daly.

The Dash were win-less through their first five games this season, but since getting their first win of the season on May 5 they have collected points in every game but one. The surge has moved them up to fifth place in the NWSL standings. While the Dash surge the North Carolina Courage have kept a firm hold on first place since the start of the season. They are 12 points clear of second place Seattle Reign.

While the Courage will be dealing with international call-ups the Dash will be dealing with the loss of Kristie Mewis who suffered an ACL injury to her left knee in the game against Spirit. Mewis is expected to miss the rest of the season with her injury. The midfielder has been a key player for the team this season and has helped improve the team’s midfield since moving off of defense. Kyah Simon is listed as questionable with a right groin strain.

Sunday’s game is a Pups to the Pitch game where special packages are available allowing you to bring your dog with you to the game.

Deets

Who: Houston Dash vs North Carolina Courage

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX

When: Sunday, June 3 at 5:30 pm CT