Two teams eager to secure their first points of the 2025 NWSL season will clash this Sunday. Houston Dash will travel to SeatGeek Stadium to face Chicago Stars FC. Despite a defeat 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 the Dash, winning four times in all competitions without conceding a goal. If the Stars achieve a fifth shutout victory, they will make NWSL history as the first team to achieve this against a single opponent. However, it won`t be an easy task as both teams are currently the only ones without any points this season, suggesting a highly competitive match.
The 2025 NWSL season is underway, and fans can catch selected games on CBS platforms including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Match Details: Chicago Stars vs. Houston Dash
- Date: March 23
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Place: SeatGeek Stadium — Bridgeview, IL
- TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Stream: Paramount+
Team News and Background
Houston significantly strengthened their midfield in the offseason by adding Delanie Sheehan and Danielle Colaprico, and boosted their attack with Yazemeen Ryan and Messiah Bright. Dash coach Fabrice Gautrat has a history with Chicago, having spent a considerable part of his career there as an academy director and assistant coach at various levels before joining the Stars` senior team.
The Dash are coming off a 2-1 defeat against Washington Spirit, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup champions. Despite the loss, their attacking performance against the title holders showed promise. The Dash outshot the Spirit (11), controlled possession (55%), and completed more passes (432). Gautrat was particularly encouraged by his team`s defensive performance against a strong Spirit attack.
Gautrat told reporters that limiting the Spirit to just five entries into their penalty box was a positive defensive achievement. He praised his team`s defensive organization, connection, and understanding of when to press and maintain structure. He felt the players effectively executed the game plan defensively and showed promising offensive ideas.
Gautrat believes the team can build on their performance against the Spirit as they face Chicago away from home. He aims to refine their tactical execution, particularly positioning. He noted that slight positional disconnects can create chain reactions. However, he was pleased with the team`s bravery and possession in the second half against the Spirit, where they successfully broke through the Spirit`s press. He emphasized that belief and mentality are crucial, alongside positioning, but acknowledged there is still a long season ahead.
Player Perspective
The Dash organization has experienced frequent changes in management in recent years. Gautrat is the sixth full-time Dash manager and the seventh person, including interim managers, to hold the position since 2022. Despite significant player acquisitions in the offseason, some players are seeking stability after years with the club or are in the early stages of their careers.
Avery Patterson, a second-year Dash player, notes positive changes under Gautrat`s leadership, both on and off the field, after a full preseason and one regular season game. She mentioned a shift in team buy-in and a special feeling within the team, emphasizing that this is just the beginning and they are building something significant this year.
Match Importance
Chicago and Houston are the only NWSL teams yet to earn any points, while the other 12 teams have at least secured a draw in the first two weeks. Being at the bottom of the table adds significance to this match, especially early in the season. Both teams are motivated to gain points and improve their standings. Patterson highlighted the team`s mentality of aggressively approaching each game from the start, regardless of the table standings.
Match Prediction
The return of Ludmila will boost Chicago, but it`s her first game back, and Houston`s attack showed improvement in their first game. Prediction: Dash 2, Chicago 1
