Two teams eager to secure their first points of the 2025 NWSL season are set to clash this Sunday. The Houston Dash will travel to SeatGeek Stadium to take on Chicago Stars FC. Despite a setback in their home opener 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. If the Stars achieve a fifth shutout victory, they will make NWSL history by being the first team to achieve this against a single opponent. With both teams currently at the bottom of the league table with zero points, expect a highly competitive match.
Match Information
- Date: March 23
- Place: SeatGeek Stadium — Bridgeview, IL
- TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Stream: Paramount+
Players to Watch
Houston significantly strengthened their midfield during the offseason by bringing in Delanie Sheehan and Danielle Colaprico. They also added exciting attacking talent with Yazemeen Ryan and Messiah Bright. Dash coach Fabrice Gautrat has strong ties to Chicago, having spent a considerable part of his career there, starting as an academy director and progressing to assistant coaching roles with the Stars senior team.
The Dash are coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Washington Spirit, the reigning NWSL Challenge Cup champions. Despite the loss, Houston showed promise in attack, outperforming the Spirit in shots (11), possession (55%), and 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 structure. He noted that the players effectively executed the defensive plan, and the offensive ideas were present as well.
Gautrat believes the team can build on their performance against the Spirit as they travel to Chicago. He aims to refine their tactical execution, emphasizing the importance of precise positioning. He explained that even small positional errors can create a chain reaction. However, he was pleased with the team`s increased bravery and possession in the second half, noting their ability to break the Spirit`s press more effectively. He stressed that while positioning is key, a belief in their ability is also crucial, acknowledging there`s still a long season ahead.
Team Confidence
The Dash have experienced frequent changes in management in recent years. Gautrat is the sixth permanent head coach, and the seventh person to hold the position since 2022, including interim coaches. Despite significant roster changes and new player acquisitions, some players have been with the club for several years and are seeking stability.
Second-year Dash player Avery Patterson noted a positive shift in team morale and commitment since Gautrat`s arrival. While cautious about over-promising, she highlighted improvements both on and off the field. Patterson expressed that everyone is committed to building on the foundation being laid this year, feeling a special and grateful vibe within the team.
Battle at the Bottom
Chicago and Houston are currently the only NWSL teams without any points, as all other teams have managed at least a draw in the first two weeks. With both teams at the bottom of the standings, this match is crucial. While it`s still early in the season, both teams understand the importance of securing points to build momentum. Patterson acknowledged the pressure but emphasized the team`s mentality of attacking each game aggressively from the start, regardless of their position in the table.
Match Prediction
While Chicago will be boosted by the return of Ludmila, it`s her first game back, and Houston`s attack looked sharper in their first game against Orlando Pride. Prediction: Dash 2, Chicago 1
