Game: Houston Dash vs. San Diego Wave

Where: PNC Stadium, Houston

When: Saturday, May 20, 2023

Time: 5:30 p.m. PST

TV: Paramount+

The San Diego Wave will play the last of a three-game road trip this Saturday, May 20, at PNC Stadium against the Houston Dash. The Wave is coming off a 2-0 win against the Kansas City Current at Children’s Mercy Park to snap a two-game losing streak.

San Diego had conceded six goals in this losing streak but did maintain a clean sheet against Kansas City. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was absolutely vital in the win with four saves in the match, including two from inside of the penalty area.

Coach Casey Stoney made some major changes to her lineup versus the Current, giving Sierra Enge her NWSL debut and Belle Briede her second start of the season. The changes paid off as Enge helped maintain the clean sheet from her defensive midfield role, and Briede scored her first goal of the season from her more offensive midfield role.

Alex Morgan had a fantastic game at the Current and almost scored, but her effort was marked as an own goal by goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.

The Wave is still dealing with injury issues as Emily van Egmond, Abby Dahlkemper, Meggie Dougherty Howard, and Kelsey Turnbow are all unavailable. It is still unclear if Taylor Kornieck will be available for this match, as she still deals with abdomen issues. It will be very interesting to see how Casey Stoney particularly sets up her midfield after excellent performances by Belle Briede and Sierra Enge.

Houston Dash is currently seventh in the NWSL with nine points, coming off a huge 2-1 win against Portland Thorns. This win was a very significant one for the Dash as it broke a five-game winless streak in NWSL regular season play that dated back to April 14.

Maria Sanchez currently leads Houston in offensive categories with two goals and an assist on the season. Forward Diana Ordonez missed the Dash’s last game due to COVID-19 protocol but will be available for this match against the Wave.

Players to watch

Belle Briede

Briede made the most out of her starting opportunity against Kansas City, and it will be interesting to see if Casey Stoney gives her another start. The 24-year-old played very well in an offensive midfield role and scored wonderfully in the penalty area with a perfectly located shot.

Sophie Schmidt

Kailen Sheridan will have a reunion in Houston with a couple of her Canada national team teammates in Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman. Schmidt is the Dash’s team captain and can be tough to surpass in the midfield with her ability to recover the ball. A veteran of the game, Schmidt will look to improve from her last couple of games and be more involved in this match.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.