Key Transactions
The Dash have acquired a host of players over the past month. In light of waiving forward Katie Stengal in May, the Dash traded for Jasmyne Spencer, who previously spent three seasons with OL Reign, tallying two goals. The Dash also signed midfielders Icelandic international Andrea Hauksdottir and 27th overall 2021 NWSL Draft pick Makamae Gomera-Stevens. The Dash’s leading goal scorer Rachel Daly will be unavailable in the Pride’s matchup with Houston as she prepares for the Olympics with Team Great Britain.
Recent Form
The Dash currently have a record of 2-3-1. Houston was on a two-game win streak until the Dash were unable to find the back of the net against Racing Louisville this past Sunday, ultimately falling 1-0 to the expansion side. Ebony Salmon scored the lone goal for Racing Louisville.
Who’s Hot
In addition to Daly, the Dash have four other goals scorers on the season. Kristie Mewis, Shea Groom, Katie Naughton and Nichelle Prince have all tallied a goal this season for Houston. Mewis, who was recently called up for her first Olympics with the U.S. WNT, also has two assists on the season.
Head-to-Head
The last time the Pride traveled to BBVA Stadium for an NWSL regular season fixture came on June 15, 2019, a match that resulted in a 2-2 draw. Former Pride midfielder Joanna Boyles had her hand in both goals for Orlando on the day, netting a free-kick strike before earning the assist on a finish from Danica Evans in the 71st minute.
Rasmussen Fun Fact
The Orlando Pride and Houston Dash share a similar, important jersey tribute this season. Both teams debuted new kits with ties to NASA, space and women in STEM. Orlando unveiled its Ad Astra jersey in a historic launch earlier this year, with Ad Astra translating to “to the stars” and a jersey shoot at nearby Kennedy Space Center. The Dash, located near Space Center Houston, unveiled its Luv Ya Dash secondary jerseys, which aim to promote the city’s contributions to American Space exploration.
