Opposition scouting report: Houston Dash

It’s a double-header weekend of sorts for Seattle soccer teams playing Houston, albeit with the Sounders in Texas on Saturday and the Dash coming to Seattle the following day for a 5 PM PT match. The Dash have made some big changes since the Reign last faced off against them last season, hiring a new head coach and adding 10 new players through a mix of free agency, trades and transfers from abroad. To get us up to speed on everything new with the Dash, we asked three questions of Dustyn Richardson from Bayou City Soccer.

Ride of the Valkyries: What's your assessment of new head coach Fabrice Gautrat, seven games into his first year at the helm?

Bayou City Soccer: Gautrat was a big question mark, as he has never been a head coach before. So far, he is still seeming to figure out the team's best way to play and their best lineups. He is very smart tactically and the players have bought in. It is going to take some time and some growing pains, but Gautrat feels like he is the right person for the job.

RoV: The Dash have one win in their last five games. What do you feel they need to improve on to get points more consistently?

BCS: In speaking with Gautrat today (Friday), it is clear that they need to do more when they have the ball. Their possession has been good, but they need to be better at breaking lines and creating high percentage chances. He wants them to have the ball a lot and they are doing well there, now they need to take the next steps and turn that possession into value. They really haven't had anything from the striker position this year between Messiah Bright and Diana Ordonez. If they can get that role clicking, alongside Yazmeen Ryan, Delanie Sheehan, and Avery Patterson, the offense will begin to click.

RoV: Houston had a lot of roster turnover this off season. Who are some new players for the Dash we should be watching for?

BCS: Rookie Maggie Graham has burst onto the scene, scoring in her first two pro matches and winning NWSL Rookie of the Month for March. Graham looks to be a nailed-on starter now and she is continuing to grow into this team. Ryan and Sheehan are well-known NWSL players from their previous stops and give this Dash team some much needed bite, as well as stability. Katie Lind is not new but she missed last season on maternity leave and has come back into the team at centerback. Her partnership with Paige Nielsen has been key in providing the Dash with a solid defense, in front of Jane Campbell.

Our answers to their questions about the Reign will be posted soon at Bayou City Soccer.