Two teams eager to secure their first points of the 2025 NWSL season will compete on Sunday. The Houston Dash will travel to SeatGeek Stadium to face Chicago Stars FC. Despite a home opener loss last week, the revamped Dash are determined to end their losing streak against the Stars.
Chicago has been dominant in previous matchups against 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 accomplish this against a single opponent. This match is crucial as both teams are currently the only ones without any points in the league, promising a highly motivated and competitive game.
The 2025 NWSL season is underway, and fans can watch games on CBS platforms including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
How to Watch Chicago Stars vs. Houston Dash
- Date: March 23
- Place: SeatGeek Stadium — Bridgeview, IL
- TV: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Stream: Paramount+
Players to Watch
Houston made significant offseason changes, bringing in midfield talents like Delanie Sheehan and Danielle Colaprico, and exciting attackers such as Yazemeen Ryan and Messiah Bright. Dash coach Fabrice Gautrat also has a Chicago connection, having spent a considerable part of his career there as an academy director and assistant coach before taking on roles with the Stars senior team.
The Dash are coming off a 2-1 defeat against the Washington Spirit, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup champions. Despite the loss, their attack showed promise against the titleholders. The Dash outperformed the Spirit in shots (11), possession (55%), and passes (432). Gautrat highlighted the team`s defensive performance against a strong attacking side like the Spirit.
Gautrat mentioned to the media before Sunday`s game that he would have been satisfied if told they would limit the Spirit to just five entries into their penalty box. He praised the team`s defensive organization, connection, and understanding of when to press and maintain structure. He was pleased with the players` execution and the positional awareness displayed in their offensive approach.
Gautrat believes the team can build upon their performance against the Spirit as they play away against Chicago, focusing on refining their tactical execution.
He noted that positional play needed improvement against the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of correct structure for their game plan. Players recognized how slight misalignments could create chain reactions. Gautrat was encouraged by their increased bravery and possession in the second half, along with successfully breaking the Spirit`s press. He attributed this to both positioning and a stronger mentality, stressing that belief is crucial, while acknowledging there`s still progress to be made.
Team Mentality
The Dash organization has experienced frequent changes in management. Gautrat is the sixth permanent Dash manager, and the seventh person to hold the position since 2022, including interim appointments. Despite Houston`s active offseason in player acquisitions, some players are long-term club members seeking stability, while others are early in their careers.
As with any new beginning, there`s a need to see results to fully believe in the changes. However, second-year Dash player Avery Patterson has already observed positive shifts under Gautrat and his staff after a full preseason and one regular season game.
Patterson mentioned that the positive changes extend beyond the field, impacting off-field aspects as well. She noted a significant shift in team unity and commitment. She emphasized that everyone recognizes this as a start and aims to build upon this year and the coach`s teachings from the past month. Patterson described a special and grateful atmosphere within the team.
Aiming to Climb the Standings
Chicago and Houston are currently the only teams without points, as the other 12 teams have earned at least a draw in the first two weeks. With both teams at the bottom of the league table, there`s significant motivation to gain points. Even early in the season, these games are crucial for setting a positive trajectory. When teams are in similar positions, they often become even more determined to fight back.
Patterson stated she tries to avoid looking at the standings, although it`s challenging. She emphasized that their mentality for every game is to be aggressive from the start. She expects a similar approach from Chicago, highlighting that regardless of table positions, their team`s focus is always to attack from the outset.
Match Prediction
The return of Ludmila will boost Chicago`s team, although it`s her first game back. The Dash attack showed more promise in their first week against Orlando Pride. Prediction: Dash 2, Chicago 1
Adrian Whitmore