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Houston Dash
It was seven years in the making but the Houston Dash claimed their first title in franchise history over the Chicago Red Stars. CRS, now home of former Houston Dash captain Kealia Watt, fell 2-0 to the Dash last Sunday in the final. The NWSL Challenge Cup was a tournament that saw the Dash grow by leaps and bounds. After losing two straight in the opening round, many were getting set for another round of disappointment. Little did the naysayers know, but the Dash would not allow a goal the rest of the way.
Newcomer Shea Groom took home the championship match MVP trophy. Her performance opened a lot of eyes, scoring three goals and adding an assist. Dash captain Rachel Daly also scored three times and had two assists to earn tournament MVP and the Golden Boot.
The Dash celebrated with fans, in a socially distant way on Thursday, holding a drive through parade at BBVA Stadium. Houston mayor Sylvester Turner even proclaimed July 30 as Houston Dash Day in the city.
July 30th is officially in H-Town!#HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/P6Gv76ftqJ
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 30, 2020
The Dash now await an announcement concerning a decision on a scaled down version of their season.
Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo returned to Houston with unfinished business after being ousted from the MLS is Back tournament by the L.A. Galaxy. The loss, on a controversial penalty kick, left the Houston Dynamo wondering “what if” and more resolved then ever to get back to work in preparation for a miniature regular season.
It is expected that MLS will have a regular season of some kind after the tournament in Orlando. According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, a plan is in place to resume games in home markets. The Dynamo have resumed training in Houston after their return from Florida.
MLS aiming to resume regular season in home markets: Nashville expected to play twice at Dallas Aug 12-15 - The Washington Post https://t.co/JRITcfCtt8
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 3, 2020
The Dynamo announced the signing of Ian Hoffmann this past week. Hoffmann had previously been playing for Karlsruher SC in Germany. His first team contract with Houston will take effect on January 1, 2021. In the meantime, Hoffmann will play for RGV FC, Houston’s hybrid affiliate. Hoffmann and Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos are quite familiar with each other as the versatile defender/midfielder has played for the U-20 national team under his new Dynamo coach.