The Houston Dash have returned to work prior to the start of the 2018 NWSL season. There have been many changes in the organization. First of all, the team has a new head coach. Vera Pauw was appointed as the second full time coach in the team’s history. The Dutch native recently led the South African Women’s National Team to the 2016 Olympics and semifinals of the 2014 CAF Women’s Championship.
In addition to the coaching staff, the team moved its pieces during the offseason. Players such as Carli Lloyd, Andressa, and Poliana left the team during the winter. However, the team acquired some good replacements, such as USWNT forward Christen Press and Meleana Shim, who returns to the league after a short European adventure.
It is clear that the main goal for the Houstonians this year is to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in team history. To achieve this goal, the Dash will need all the help they can get from players who returned from 2017 such as Kealia Ohai (missed most of the season due to a knee injury), Jane Campbell, defender Cari Roccaro, and British international Rachel Daly.
The preseason will continue for Houston as they get ready to face the Chicago Red Stars in their home opener on March 25th at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Houston Dash
