Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash meet in NWSL decider

The Chicago Red Stars’ (6-7-2) 3-0 win over the San Diego Wave in the last round may have been the fuel they needed to revive their season. Playing away, the Red Stars not only snapped a five-game winless streak, but also showed they still have plenty to offer in the NWSL. They now return to Toyota Park in Bridgeview, tasked with continuing their winning ways against the Houston Dash (3-7-5).

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Let’s face it: the Dash are in trouble. With a dismal campaign so far, the Texans sit 12th in the standings with just 14 points. To top it all off, they haven’t won in four games and haven’t scored a goal since May. It’s a bleak scenario, and facing a motivated Red Stars at home doesn’t seem like the ideal recipe to end this negative run. In recent games, the Dash have suffered 2-0 losses to Racing Louisville and Kansas City Current, as well as 0-0 draws to Angel City and the San Diego Wave. The Houston Dash last won in late May, and since then, the slump has only deepened.

On the Red Star side, the situation is more promising, but it still requires attention. With 20 points and seventh place in the standings, the team is in the playoff zone, but any misstep could be fatal. The victory against San Diego was crucial, but it is now essential for the team to maintain its consistency. However, its home record is not the best. With only six points, it has the second worst home record in the NWSL, behind the Utah Royals. Fans are hoping that this recent victory will turn the team’s fortunes around, especially at home.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, the Red Stars’ defensive wall, will once again be a key element. In the win over the San Diego Wave, she was impeccable, securing a shutout and providing security for the team. Naeher will play a vital role against the Dash, especially given their opponents’ goal drought of late. If the Red Stars can maintain their defensive solidity and capitalize on opportunities on offense, the chances of picking up another three points are high.

For the Houston Dash, the mission is clear: find the back of the net and stop the point drain. The team has excelled defensively in recent games, earning three shutouts in the last four games, but the lack of goals has been a persistent problem. Against the Red Stars, the Dash’s defense will need to be in top form, but the offense will also need to show signs of life. An early goal could completely change the momentum of the game and give the Dash the confidence they need to go for the win.

The game promises to be intense. The Chicago Red Stars are determined to show that their victory over the San Diego Wave was not a fluke, but the beginning of a new phase. Meanwhile, the Houston Dash are desperate to move up the standings and prove that they can still be competitive this season. Both teams have a lot to gain – and lose – in this crucial match. Red Stars fans will be there, hoping for a performance that confirms the turnaround and puts the team on track for the playoffs.