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Celia BalfJan 29, 2025NWSLHouston Dash

'NWSL has some crazy banger goals' - Houston Dash want to score more and be the team to beat, believe offseason movement could be game-changing

Will Houston Dash be the next team to beat in the NWSL? INDIVISA takes a look at the team that many numerous offseason changes

BEVERLY HILLS, California - After the 2024 NWSL season, the Houston Dash have nowhere but up to go. The club struggled all season, falling to the bottom of the table with a 5-16-6 overall record and scoring just 20 goals, the fewest amount across the league. While 2022 was the Dash's best season yet, finishing in fourth place overall, that wasn't the case in 2024. That season in 2022 also marked the the only time the Dash qualified for the NWSL playoffs since joining the league in 2014.

But, for many reasons, there's hope for the underdogs. From Angela Hucles taking over as President of women's soccer for the Houston Dash to the hiring of Fabrice Gautrat as head coach, plus many off-season major transfer pick-ups - Yazmeen Ryan and Abby Smith from NJ/NY Gotham FC, Messiah Bright from Angel City, and more.

So, will Houston Dash be the next team to beat? INDIVISA takes a look.

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    Investment

    Hucles has been pushing the women's game forward since playing for the USWNT. Now, as the new president for the Dash, her day-to-day is entirely focused on building a comprehensive and feasible plan for the Dash, both on and off of the field. She spearheaded the recent hiring of Gautra, who will have quite a task in front of him.

    However the roster is newly bolstered with attacking talent, plus anchored by one of the league's best keepers, Jane Campbell. The Dash need a team that can score goals and support some of the league's best creators on the ball, from Diana Ordonez to Yuki Nagasato.

    At NWSL Media Day, Dash players made their rounds speaking about their love for Houston and what to expect this upcoming season. If there was one thing that the Dash want people to know is that they are styled and ready to serve at every occasion.

    From Michelle Alozie's statement blue blouse and jorts to Diana Ordonez' race car-like jacket and wide-leg pants - the team may have fallen below playoff line, their outfits certainly didn't. And while outfits were all unique at Media Day, when they spoke the premise for the season was unified: bring Houston to the top.

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    Off-season player movement

    Two-time NWSL champion Ryan was traded to the Dash from Gotham FC just before the new year. Houston acquired $80,000 in intra-league transfer funds for the 2025 season from Gotham in exchange for $400,000 in allocation money and an international roster spot in 2025. The Dash picking up Ryan is massive, as she's not only one of the most versatile players in the league, but also has an incredibly successful and winning professional career.

    Ryan brings depth, and is excited to just be herself and play freely in Houston.

    "I'm so excited to start and bring on this new transition journey and bring Houston to the top," Ryan told INDIVISA.

    When asked specifically what she's looking forward to, Ryan said, "To play free and do what I can and whatever I can that the group of players around me need."

    In a statement after her signing she said she had "been in this situation before and understand the commitment and sacrifice needed to compete for trophies in the most competitive league in the world. I want to thank club leadership for their belief in my abilities and the responsibility to execute the vision they have for the club.”

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    'We need to score more goals'

    Diana Ordonez is known for her flare, both on the international stage and in the NWSL. At NWSL Media Day, she made one thing very clear: she wants to score more. Ordonez has been in the NWSL since 2022, playing first for the North Carolina Courage. In 2023 she joined the Dash, and will be embarking in her third year with the club.

    Ordonez shared what she's hoping to bring into this new NWSL season.

    "I think controlling what I can and building my confidence," she toldINDIVISA. "Playing the kind of soccer I love and scoring lots of goals"

    Ordonez scored a team high five in 2024, and hopes to do much more of that in the new year. With some of the new transfers, specifically Messiah Bright and Ryan, the team should be positioned for more attacking chances. Alozie told INDIVISA, "I have a lot of new teammates," but said it with a tone of excitement and optimism for what's ahead.

    "The NWSL has some crazy banger goals," she said. "We know how to score a goal or two."