Preview: KC NWSL face Houston Dash in midday clash

Kansas City NWSL (0-2-2) vs Houston Dash (1-1-2)

When: June 6, 2021 1:00pm CT

Where: Legends Field | Kansas City, Kansas

How to watch: Paramount + (in the U.S.), Twitch (outside the U.S.)

Radio: Sports Radio WHB 810 (Kansas City)

Two team that are already very familiar with each other face off Sunday at 1:00 PM in Kansas City, Kansas. The Houston Dash and Kansas City NWSL have already played twice in 2021. The first time was in the Challenge Cup when Houston was victorious in a 3-1 match at Children’s Mercy Park. Kansas City managed a come from behind 2-2 draw with a spectacular last second goal while a player down in Houston in their first regular season match.

Kansas City manager Huw Williams will be looking for their first win for the new franchise and their fans. “We are not doing enough to show our appreciation of our fans. The community has been very supportive, the fans have been coming out and we need to do our part now. We need to represent our city in front of our home fans,” Williams told media.

Despite the club still looking for their first win, a victory of the Dash would see Kansas City leapfrog their opponent and a possibly even to mid-pack in the standings.

Still shorthanded: Williams and his squad will be challenged with depth again. Regular starters Desiree Scott and rookie of the year candidate Victoria Pickett along with Jordyn Listro are with the Canadian National Team. Out with injuries are Lo’eau Labonta, Taylor Leach, and Chloe Logarzo, all regular starters and key contributors when healthy.

“Our depth does get challenged but it’s next player up,” Williams stated. “It is their responsibility to be ready and our responsibility to get them ready.”

Thad Bell

Possible reinforcement: Portuguese attacker Jessica Silva may be available for Kansas City after arriving a few days ago. The club was waiting on her ITC (International Transfer Certificate) and it is not clear if it has arrived yet.

If Silva is available, she may not be 90 minute game fit for a warm Kansas City mid-day match but KC would like to see her on field. When asked what Silva brings to the team, Williams responded, “Creativity, 1v1 opportunities, loves to take players on, loves to be flamboyant, has a stack of tricks at her disposal so at anytime you are not really sure what she is going to do. I’m not even sure she knows what she is going to do most of the time.”

Houston

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Allysha Chapman (CAN), Nichelle Prince (CAN), Sophie Schmidt (CAN), Deneisha Blackwood (JAM)

Kansas City

OUT: Lo’eau Labonta (right lower leg), Taylor Leach (right knee), Chloe Logarzo (left hip), Diana Matheson (left foot), Kiara Pickett (left thigh), Arielle Ship (right lower leg)

QUESTIONABLE: Kristen Edmonds (left leg)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Jordyn Listro (CAN), Victoria Pickett (CAN), Desiree Scott (CAN)