Both the Washington Spirit and the Houston Dash head into today’s game looking to turn things around after struggling in the early part of the season. The Spirit are coming off a three-game losing streak and sit in last place. The Dash, in ninth place, just fired head coach Randy Waldrum and have just six points points from seven games. Oscar Morales, who joined the Dash as an assistant coach this April, will be the acting coach tonight.
Key player: Shelina Zadorsky
With defensive midfielder Tori Huster out due to injury the past two games, the Spirit’s defense has suffered. Last week’s game against FC Kansas City, rife with defensive errors, was a prime example. FCKC has seven goals in 2017, and four of them came in the last two games against Washington.
Zadorsky has been huge this season both on and off the field. One thing that will be important against the Dash is organization and Zadorsky can help with spacing. Players like Rachel Daly and Kealie Ohai are particularly threatening on the wings in the final third.
Location: Maryland Soccerplex (Boyds, MD)
Kickoff time: 7pm Eastern
Projected Spirit starting 11: (4-3-3) - Stephanie Labbe; Estelle Johnson, Whitney Church, Shelina Zadorsky, Alyssa Kleiner; Havana Solaun, Line Sigvardsen Jensen, Kristie Mewis; Francisca Ordega, Katie Stengel, Mallory Pugh
Bench: Didi Haracic, Cameron Castleberry, Kassey Kallman, Meggie Dougherty Howard, Lindsay Agnew, Cheyna Williams, Arielle Ship
Projected Dash starting 11: (4-3-3) - Lydia Williams; Rachel Daly, Cari Roccaro, Cami Privett, Camille Levin; Andressa, Amber Brooks, Morgan Brian; Nichelle Prince, Janine Beckie, Kealia Ohai
Morgan Brian is listed as probable, but was also taken off the USWNT roster for their upcoming friendlies due to injury. We’ll see if a new coach means new starters.
Referee: Victor Rivas
Available TV: None
Available streaming: NWSLsoccer.com and Go90 for US viewers.
What are you drinking?: I’m going to the tailgate in Lot 8 at RFK where I will resist the tyranny of LaCroix drinkers and then I’ll head to the Plex.
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