Can Seattle Reign extend their streak or will Houston Dash finally break the curse?
This weekend's match will see Seattle Reign against Houston Dash, two teams coming into the game in very contrasting situations: on one hand, Reign, coming into this game with a lot of momentum from two straight road wins; then, on the other hand, Dash, desperate to get themselves a win to break up a six-game losing streak. Though Seattle might hold an edge on paper, anything can happen on the field, and this matchup seems to have all the ingredients for an exciting contest.
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Seattle Reign: Ji So-Yun and the Rapinoe Effect
With three goals at the team's helm so far this season, the spotlight for Seattle Reign falls to Ji So-Yun, the South Korean forward. She is one step from legendary status within the club alongside other luminaries such as Megan Rapinoe and Kim Little, as a feat of scoring in three straight road games would place her name firmly in Reign's history. Her form of late is not just a reflection of individual talent, but that of a team which has grown throughout the season.
Midseason changes-like the departure of midfielder Sophia Huerta to arrives like Jaelin Howell from Racing Louisville-have changed the dynamic in the squad. These moves have clearly shaken things up in the midfield, and finding its rhythm after a rough start is still a thing in process. With a record of 5-10-5-counting wins, losses, and draws-Reign sits 11th on the NWSL table, which makes every point crucial.
Houston Dash: The Wall of Jane Campbell
Meanwhile, Houston Dash is still trying to find its rhythm in a season that has indeed been tough so far. Whereas the team remains stuck with a run of adverse results lately, there is one factor that could change things this Saturday: goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Through 96 saves this season, Campbell is just four away from reaching the century mark to further cement herself as one of the best in the league. She's added six clean sheets this year, putting her close to matching last season's personal best eight shutouts.
Campbell is a defensive anchor for the Dash, and her presence extends beyond shot-stopping. Having featured in 15,000 minutes at the club across all competitions, she is closing in on her 150th regular-season appearance, which truly makes her a pillar of the side. But while she has been heroic, the Dash continues to strive for consistency in fights for three points.
The attack, meanwhile, is looking for a boost with the return of Ryan Gareis, who rejoined the team after maternity leave. Alongside Gareis, defender Allysha Chapman also made her return, starting for the first time this season last Sunday. With these players back in action, the team hopes to salvage what's left of the season that seems to be slipping away.
A Clash of Histories
Historically, Seattle Reign has had the better of this rivalry. Reign leads the head-to-head series with 17 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws-meaning that Houston Dash has constantly struggled against Seattle over the years. When both sides last met back in June 2023, it finished 0-0 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. With both teams looking to turn things around, this game will be a bit taut and evenly poised.
Where Reign comes into this game on the back of recent road wins, the Dash has to face pressure from its home crowd for snapping the losing streak and finding its way back into the win column. The Shell Energy Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation as Houston fans hope for three points that could offer the relief the team desperately needs.
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