The Houston Dash will open the 2016 NWSL regular season at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, April 16 against the Chicago Red Stars, it was announced today. The match is presented by BBVA Compass In addition, the Dash will face the Orlando Pride in Week 2 of the NWSL season on Saturday, April 23 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando's home opener. The full NWSL regular season schedule will be released at a later date.
The Dash are 1-1-0 all-time in home openers, losing 1-0 to Portland Thorns FC in their inaugural match in 2014 but defeating the Washington Spirit 2-0 in last year's home and season opener.
Houston is looking to improve upon its fifth place finish (6-8-6, 24 points) in 2015 and reach a playoff spot for the first time in club history. The Dash welcome back FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd and fellow U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Morgan Brian for their second season with the club. The team also picked up midfielder Amber Brooks, forward Chioma Ubogagu, and Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams in the offseason, and selected forwards Rachel Daly and Janine Beckie and defender Cari Rocarro in the 2016 NWSL College Draft to bolster the team.
Chicago is led by USWNT regulars Christen Press, Julie Johnston and Alyssa Naeher, as well as 2015 NWSL Rookie of the Year Danielle Colaprico. The Red Stars finished the regular season with the second best record (8-3-9, 33 points), but lost in the NWSL semifinals to eventual champions FC Kansas City. The Dash recorded two draws and a loss against Chicago in 2015, with one draw and one loss coming at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Individual tickets for the home opener will be on sale soon. Season memberships for the full 2016 Dash home schedule are currently available here or by calling (713) 276-GOAL.
