Denise Duffy and Jonathon Hagger‘s detailed NWSL preview this week features the game between Houston Dash and Gotham FC – including access to the club’s media conferences ahead of the match (8/6/23).
Above: Action from Gotham FC training this week. Photo: Devon Cafaro.
This weekend the Gotham FC squad make their way out of an orange tri-state area atmosphere only to play in the orange cauldron that is Shell Energy Stadium to face off against their next rivals, the Houston Dash this Sunday at 7:30 pm local time.
They will need to be sharp, because even with four players included in the Team of the Month, Gotham FC was unable to overcome the defensive prowess of the San Diego Wave, going down last weekend 1-0 in a strongly contested match.
While Gotham FC sits two places above Houston in the NWSL standings, the Dash will provide a top-drawer-level challenge. Similar to the San Diego Wave, the Dash defence is in stellar form with four clean sheet matches through ten games. Will Gotham FC be able to find a weakness in the armour of Houston’s super keeper, Jane Campbell? Can the Dash overcome Shea Groom’s season-ending injury and remain in playoff contention?
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup starting in 43 days, every NWSL team is looking to bank as many quality results as they can, so that in the absence of their star players, they have positioned themselves well to make the playoffs beginning late October 2023.
Team Comparisons
Both teams can boast impressive defensive records with each team having conceded less than one goal per game against quality opposition. The Dash’s four clean sheets is hugely impressive. Gotham has twelve goals this season whereas the Dash come into the match with nine.
Left-footed players are having a ball in the NWSL this year and this match has some of the best quality left side of the pitch players lining up against each other, Maria Sanchez, Jenna Nighswonger, and Kirstie Mewis. One must be mindful of perhaps Houston’s biggest threat Diana Ordóñez, aka Scoredoñez. Also, the Bats need to beware of English international Ebony Salmon, who was snubbed from the World Cup roster of her home country, and will be looking to prove something.
Winning the Midfield
- McCall Zerboni – Midfield. Often coming on as a substitute, Zerboni uses both her smarts and her aggressiveness to break up play and win the ball. Look for quick short passes to strategically move the ball up the pitch from her.
- Kristie Mewis – Midfield. On the brink of making a World Cup squad. Mewis will try to prove once more that she’s in it to win it. Mewis will continue to look for quality assists from the outside in.
- Ify Onumonu – Forward. She is destined for selection for the World Cup with Nigeria. American-born and University of California at Berkeley forward needs to continue her NWSL veteran ways to get in the box and threaten the Dash defence.
The Houston Dash are a team still looking to find that magic in the box.
- Maria Sanchez – Mid / Forward. Sanchez leads the team in goals scored and assists. Her adaptability can see her positioned anywhere in the centre or on the left-hand side of the pitch. With two goals and two assists so far Sanchez will be looking to increase her total.
- Sophie Schmidt – Midfield. Oh captain my captain! Leading the team from the midfield position gives Schmidt the opportunity to provide clear communication both backwards and forwards across the pitch. Schmidt has an incredibly high work rate. Making tackles, interceptions, and strong blocks complements her ability to press the ball forwards into open spaces.
- Jane Campbell – Goalkeeper. We’ve mentioned Campbell earlier in this article and we absolutely must talk about her again. Campbell will be the difference between Hosuton winning or losing.
What to expect in this match from the Bats.
Gotham FC will once again take the lead role as attacker but that does not mean they will come out of this contest as victors. The Dash are very patient when they are in possession of the ball and they don’t squander their chances. They may not shoot often but when they do the shot quality is exceptional.
The Edge
Keeper – Abby Smith vs Jane Campbell. Campbell is the Dash’s go to number one choice and the team’s faith in her has been rewarded. With four clean sheets and only nine goals conceded, Campbell is a big part of the reason why the Dash are doing so well. Smith backs up from a very good match, apart from the one goal that was scored when the Gotham backline were caught out by a super quick offensive move. The performances of the goalkeepers will be the difference in this clash.
Backlines – For the Dash, Veterans Katie Lind and Allysha Chapman, with help from Natalie Jacobs, will have a huge responsibility to mark Lynn Williams in and around the box.
Midfield – Gotham will need to defend by committee a dynamic Houston attack. In order to counter the formidable Houston offence, Gotham will rely on a collective defensive effort. Fortunately, players such as Nighswonger, Long, Ryan, and Mewis possess the skills to not only plug up the midfield, but have the ability to launch their own powerful counterattacks.
Front Line – A more direct Scoredoñez versus Lynn Williams. It will be one of the best matchups of the season
Coaching – Sam Laity v Juan Carlos Amorós. Laity has a history of success through a decade of coaching roles. Laity is described as being “a players’ coach with the respect and trust of players, staff, and stakeholders across the league and sport”. Under Laity’s tenure the physicality and pace of the Dash has been a key focus so expect to see a whole lot of body bumping. Coach Amorós will be encouraging his team to bring their distinctive style of attacking play. Both are smart and strong tacticians.
Coach Amorós brings a wealth of experience across global soccer to Gotham FC, having served as a head coach of clubs in the top leagues in Spain, England, and the U.S. Amorós was coach of Real Betis Féminas from 2021 – 22 and led them to a club-record unbeaten streak in Spain’s top division. Having stepped into the role of Coach for Gotham FC in late 2022 the results the team are recording prove that he is a top talent.
Front and Back Office – The Dash is not known for a flash back office. Jessica O’Neill has been quietly building something to notice in Houston. Gotham’s backbone is one to notice. With an exciting marketing team and the likes of Darian Jenkins as Chief of Staff, this club has really cleared the air and is creating a bright future.
Fans, Stadium and Social Media – Never underestimate the dedication and the fun that Houston’s fans have. If they can get momentum at Shell Energy Stadium and have some early goals, look for the fans to pump the Dash up.
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