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Houston Dash aiming for semi-final spot after epic win over Tigres

In a decisive match against Pachuca, Dash need to score early and often to stay in the Summer Cup

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash midfielder Barbara Olivieri (15) celebrates scoring with forward Diana Ordonez (9) during the second half against Tigres UANL at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash midfielder Barbara Olivieri (15) celebrates scoring with forward Diana Ordonez (9) during the second half against Tigres UANL at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
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Last weekend, the Houston Dash proved they're not messing around by beating Tigres UANL 2-1 in a match full of grit and determination. Now, the team is preparing to face Pachuca CF on Thursday, August 1, in a decisive duel that could guarantee a place in the semi-finals of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The stage for this battle will be the Shell Energy Stadium.

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The win over Tigres was a relief and a boost for the Dash, who had goals from Diana Ordóñez and Bárbara Olivieri. Ordóñez, who leads the team with five goals this season, showed once again why she is a key cog in the attack. Olivieri, meanwhile, who hadn't scored since May, found the net again at the right time. In addition, the debut of rookie goalkeeper Heather Hinz was a spectacle in itself, with six crucial saves securing the three points for the Dash.

Now the challenge is against Pachuca, who started the Apertura 2024 well but have struggled in the Summer Cup. With a 4-2 loss to Tigres and a 3-0 setback to Kansas City Current, Pachuca need a win to keep their hopes alive. Led by veterans Charlyn Corral and Kenti Robles, the Mexican side promises to give the Dash a hard time. Corral, who has scored almost 200 goals in her career, and Robles, who won titles with FC Barcelona, are names that inspire respect and attention.

For the Houston Dash, the mission is clear: win and hope for a combination of favorable results to advance. Kansas City must lose, and the Dash must overcome goal difference to secure top spot in Group C. With a win on Thursday, the Dash will not only qualify, but will also be ready for their next challenges, including home games against Orlando Pride and Utah Royals FC. After these clashes, the Dash will face a marathon of away games, where they will need to keep up the pace to close out the regular season on a high note.

Dash coach Ricky Clarke knows that victory over Pachuca depends on a good start to the game. Scoring early and pressing constantly will be the key strategies. The team needs to show the same determination and defensive organization as against Tigres, but with even more intensity.

Pachuca, on the other hand, will be out to spring a surprise. Despite their recent difficulties, they have plenty of talent and experience to turn the game in their favor. Corral and Robles will be the main attacking weapons, but the team as a whole will need to be cohesive and determined to overcome the Dash. The defense will have to be solid and avoid the mistakes that have cost them dearly in previous matches.

The match promises to be a real soccer spectacle. Two teams with different styles, but with the same hunger for victory. The Houston Dash, buoyed by their win against Tigres and motivated by the chance to advance, will go all out against Pachuca. The Mexican side, wanting to show that they still have a lot to offer, will try to use all their experience to make life difficult for the Dash.

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