Houston Dash close out 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group stage

The Houston Dash will close out 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group stage play against the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday, August 5. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CT and will stream on Paramount+.

Houston is looking to close out the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group stage with back-to-back wins. The Dash are set to take on the Chicago Red Stars in the Challenge Cup finale on Saturday, August 5, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.

The Dash enter the match following a 1-0 win over Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, July 27. Forward Ebony Scored the lone goal in the match in the 26th minute of the match. Forward Ryan Gareis found Salmon open on the left side of the goal to set up the Enligsh forward’s shot. Salmon then forced Racing Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund to make a toe save that was just behind the ball.

The win marked the second clean sheet in Challenge Cup group play. Houston goalkeeper and captain Jane Campbell tied her career-high for most saves in a single match with seven. Campbell last made seven saves in a single match on October 6, 2021 in a 3-2 road win over Portland Thorns FC.

Chicago is coming into the match following a 0-0 draw at SeatGeek Stadium versus the Kansas City Current. Chicago currently sits at the bottom of group C with a 0-4-1 overall record in group play. The Red Stars are the only team across all three groups to not find the back of the net through five matches. Chicago has started 24 different players in this year’s Challenge Cup, which is the most of any team in the competition and is also the most starters used by a team in a single year of the Challenge Cup.

Sunday’s meeting will be the fourth meeting between the two teams across all competitions. Houston opened its 2023 road slate on April 1 beating the Red Stars 2-1 at SeatGeek Stadium. The Dash also defeated Chicago in the first meeting between the teams for Challenge Cup group play. Houston fell to the Red Stars on July 7 for the first time in regular season play since July 2021.

The Dash return to regular season on Sunday, August 19, hosting the Washington Spirit at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston will be celebrating “Pups at the Pitch” night, presented by Nationwide Insurance. Fans can bring their favorite four-legged friend to the match, and the first 6,000 fans will receive a Dash bandana.