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| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved |
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved
HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 20, 2019) Against a new, perfect backdrop, the Houston Dash took on Seattle Reign FC at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday, April 14, 2019. The game also celebrated a milestone. Defender Amber Brooks (shown right) celebrated her 100th game in the NWSL. Brooks is a mainstay of the Dash defense and did not disappoint during the game. Her tenacity and new found confidence on the field and propelled the Dash to a 1-1 draw.
In addition to the celebration, the Dash organization ushered in their newest head coach, James Clarkson. Clarkson’s entrance marks the end of the short lived Vera Pauw era. While Pauw wanted the fans, including the locally famed Bayou City Republic, to quiet down so the players could hear her, Clarkson has taken an opposite stance.
Bayou City Republic was allowed to let loose and hype the fans up. For those unfamiliar with the Dash, Bayou City Republic is to the Dash, what the Texian Army is to the Dynamo. Coming with drums of all varieties, they bring banners and joyful music with them. They are the official host of the Houston Dash watch parties and keep the spirit alive during away games.
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| Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved |
With that being said, Clarkson is already making an indelible mark on the Dash. Players have said countless times that there is more club chemistry and that there are good vibes within the team. That is showing on the pitch. The passing game, while rough at times, has amazing potential. With the addition of a few new faces on the Starting 11 in Christine Nairn and Sophie Schmidt, it is easy to see how the passing game will evolve and get stronger as the ladies’ playing time increases. One potential Achilles heel could be the lack of strength at the midfielder level.
Clarkson put Haley Hanson, traditionally a midfielder, in as a second half substitution for forward Nichelle Prince. It was easy to see she would need some work if she is going to transition to being a forward. In spite of this substitution, the mid-fielders looked tired in chasing the ball during the second half of the game. Hopefully, this area of play will gain the same strength and fighting power as the forwards. Overall it was a great outing for the Dash, holding the Reign to the 1-1 draw.
Looking forward to this evening's game against Sky Blue FC, the Dash will face two-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd at 5 p.m. at Yurcak Field.
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