Two teams eager to secure their first points in the 2025 NWSL regular season are set to compete this Sunday. The Houston Dash will travel to SeatGeek Stadium to face Chicago Stars FC. Despite a setback in their home opener last week, the revamped Dash are determined to end their losing streak against the Stars.
Chicago has historically dominated their encounters with Houston, winning their last four matches across all competitions without conceding a goal. A fifth consecutive shutout victory would mark a league first for any NWSL team against a single opponent. However, with both teams currently at the bottom of the league table with zero points, expect a fiercely contested match.
Match Details
- Date: March 23
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: SeatGeek Stadium — Bridgeview, IL
- TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Stream: Paramount+
Houston`s New Faces
Houston significantly strengthened their squad during the offseason, adding midfielders Delanie Sheehan and Danielle Colaprico, along with attacking players Yazemeen Ryan and Messiah Bright. Dash head coach Fabrice Gautrat also has a Chicago connection, having spent a considerable part of his career there as an academy director and assistant coach before taking on roles with the Stars` senior team.
The Dash are coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat against the reigning NWSL Challenge Cup champions, Washington Spirit. Despite the loss, their attacking performance against the Spirit showed promise. Houston outshot Washington 11 to 5, controlled possession with 55%, and completed more passes (432). Gautrat highlighted the team`s defensive performance against a strong attacking side like the Spirit as particularly encouraging.
Gautrat commented to the media that limiting the Spirit to just five entries into their penalty box would have been considered a success before the game. He praised the team`s defensive organization, connection, and understanding of when to press and maintain structure. He expressed satisfaction with the players` execution of the defensive plan and noted the positive offensive positioning ideas.
Gautrat believes the team possesses the necessary elements to build upon their performance against the Spirit as they prepare to face Chicago on the road. He aims to refine their tactical execution, particularly in terms of positioning.
He explained that positional adjustments are key to their game plan and that even small misalignments can have a cascading effect. He was pleased with the team`s increased bravery and possession in the second half against the Spirit, noting their improved ability to break the opponent`s press. Gautrat emphasized that belief and mentality are crucial components, alongside positioning, but acknowledged there`s still a long season ahead.
Player Confidence
The Houston Dash organization has experienced frequent changes in management in recent years. Gautrat is the sixth full-time head coach, and the seventh person to hold the position, including interim appointments, since 2022. Despite significant roster changes during the offseason, some players have been with the club for several years and are seeking stability as they develop their careers.
Second-year Dash player Avery Patterson noted a positive shift in team morale and commitment under Gautrat`s leadership after a full preseason and one regular season game. While acknowledging the need to prove long-term change, Patterson highlighted improvements in off-field aspects and a palpable positive atmosphere.
Patterson described a collective “buying in” from the team, a sense of shared purpose and belief that this is just the beginning of something significant. She expressed gratitude for being part of this positive change and the direction set by Gautrat.
Aiming to Climb the Standings
Chicago and Houston are currently the only two teams without any points in the league, as all other 12 teams have managed at least a draw in the first two weeks. With both teams occupying the bottom spots in the standings, this match carries significant early-season importance. While it’s still early in the season, both teams are aware that a win can provide crucial momentum. The pressure of being at the bottom can sometimes ignite a strong reaction.
Patterson mentioned that she personally tries to avoid looking at the standings, although she admits it`s challenging. She emphasized that their mentality for every game, regardless of the table, is to start aggressively and assert their dominance early in the match. She anticipates a similar approach from Chicago, but regardless of standings, their focus remains on initiating strong, proactive play.
Match Prediction
The return of Ludmila could boost Chicago, but considering it`s her first game back and Houston`s improved attack demonstrated against Orlando Pride in week one, the Dash might have an edge. Prediction: Dash 2, Chicago 1
