Two teams eager to secure their first points of the 2025 NWSL season will clash this Sunday. The Houston Dash will travel to SeatGeek Stadium to face Chicago Stars FC. Despite a home opener defeat last week, the revamped Dash are determined to end their losing streak against the Stars.
Chicago has dominated previous encounters with Houston, winning four times in all competitions without conceding a single goal. A fifth shutout victory would mark a historic milestone as the first NWSL team to achieve this against a single opponent. With both teams currently at the bottom of the league standings, expect a highly competitive match.
How to Watch Chicago Stars vs. Houston Dash
- Date: March 23
- Place: SeatGeek Stadium — Bridgeview, IL
- TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Stream: Paramount+
Key Matchup Storylines
Houston significantly strengthened their midfield with the additions of Delanie Sheehan and Danielle Colaprico, and boosted their attack by signing Yazemeen Ryan and Messiah Bright. Dash coach Fabrice Gautrat has a Chicago connection, having spent a considerable part of his career there as an academy director and assistant coach for the Stars.
The Dash are coming off a narrow 2-1 loss to the reigning NWSL Challenge Cup champions, Washington Spirit. Despite the defeat, their attacking performance against the Spirit showed promise. Houston outshot their opponents (11 shots), controlled possession (55%), and completed more passes (432). Gautrat highlighted the team`s defensive performance against a strong Spirit attack as particularly encouraging.
Gautrat told reporters that limiting the Spirit to just five entries into their penalty box was a positive defensive achievement. He praised the team`s defensive organization, connection, and understanding of when to press and maintain their structure. He was pleased with the players` execution of these tactical aspects and the offensive positioning.
Gautrat believes the team can build on their performance against the Spirit in the upcoming match against Chicago. He aims to refine their tactical execution, particularly positional play.
He noted that slight positional disconnects can create chain reactions and emphasized the importance of precise structure. Gautrat was encouraged by the team`s increased bravery and possession in the second half against the Spirit, where they successfully broke through the opponent`s press. He stressed that while positioning is key, a confident mentality is equally crucial. He acknowledged that there`s still a long season ahead.
Player Confidence
The Dash organization has experienced frequent changes in management. Gautrat is the sixth permanent head coach, and the seventh individual to hold the position since 2022, including interim appointments. Despite player acquisitions and trades during the offseason, some players are seeking stability.
Second-year Dash player Avery Patterson highlighted the positive changes brought by Gautrat and his staff after a full preseason and one regular season game. She noted improvements in off-field aspects and a significant shift in team unity and commitment.
Patterson expressed that the team recognizes this as the beginning of a building process. She emphasized the positive atmosphere and the special feeling within the team, expressing gratitude for being part of it.
Aiming to Climb the Standings
Chicago and Houston are currently the only NWSL teams without any points, while the other twelve teams have earned at least a draw in the first two weeks. Being at the bottom of the table adds significance to this match, especially early in the season when results can heavily influence momentum. Both teams will be fighting hard to secure a victory and improve their standings.
Patterson mentioned that she tries to avoid looking at the standings, but acknowledges it`s challenging. She emphasized the team`s mentality of aggressively attacking from the start of each game, regardless of their position in the league table, expecting Chicago to have a similar approach.
Match Prediction
The return of Ludmila is a boost for Chicago, but this will be her first game back. Houston`s attack showed greater promise in their first week against Orlando Pride. Prediction: Dash 2, Chicago 1
Dominic Ashworth