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NWSL Houston Dash

Preview: Dash Open 2018 at Home against Chicago Red Stars

March 24, 2018 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Houston Dash News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dash open the 2018 NWSL season on Sunday afternoon at BBVA Compass Stadium against the Chicago Red Stars at 4:00 p.m. CDT. The match will be streamed live on go90.com and the go90 app.

Following is the essential info for tomorrow's match:

MATCHUP: Houston Dash (0-0-0) vs. Chicago Red Stars (0-0-0)

LOCATION: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

DATE & TIME: Sunday, March 25 - 4:00 p.m. CDT

BROADCAST: Live stream on go90.com and go90 mobile app

TICKETS: Starting at $19; available at HoustonDashSoccer.com, 713-276-GOAL, stadium box office

GAME NOTES: Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars Game Notes

Here are three key points that Houston-area media need to know ahead of the season opener:

THE START OF THE VERA ERA: Sunday's match marks the official beginning of the Vera Pauw era for the Houston Dash. The 55-year-old Dutch coach was announced as the third head coach (second permanent coach) in club history on November 27, 2017. Pauw and assistant coach Lisa Cole have reshaped the Dash roster sine taking the reins, bringing in 13 new players over the offseason. Pauw brings 17 years of coaching experience at the international level with Scotland, the Netherlands, Russia and South Africa, but this is her first coaching position at the club level.

PLAY LIKE CHEETAHS: Head coach Vera Pauw has spent a considerable amount of time and energy during the preseason working to instill a new culture with the Dash. Pauw plans to use Houston's heat to the Dash's advantage, encouraging opponents to run and wear themselves out, then attacking aggressively with speed when they win the ball back. As such, Pauw has adopted the cheetah as an unofficial team mascot, even inviting the Houston Zoo to bring one of its cheetahs to BBVA Compass Stadium for its regular fitness walk. The Dash players met Kito, one of the two adult cheetahs at the Zoo, and learned how the cheetah's behavior mimics their own playing style - patiently waiting for the right opportunity to attack, and then chasing down its prey with ferocity, power and speed. Look for the Dash to imitate that style on Sunday afternoon.

GOING FOR THREE STRAIGHT: Sunday's match will mark the third consecutive year in which the Dash open the season at home against the Red Stars. Houston has won each of the previous two openers against Chicago and will be looking to make it three straight over the Red Stars on Opening Day. Dash defender Rachel Daly has made a habit of scoring against Chicago on Opening Day, having done so in each of the last two years. Playing at right back now instead of at forward, that may prove more difficult, but don't count out the English international.

Tickets for Sunday's season opener start at just $19 and are available online at HoustonDashSoccer.com, by phone at 713-276-GOAL or in person at the BBVA Compass Stadium box office. Dynamo and Dash season credentials will be valid for Houston-area media who are planning to cover the match.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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