The Houston Dash have announced their roster for the start of the 2015 preseason, which begins this morning at Houston Sports Park.
The roster includes all 19 currently contracted players and the team’s 2015 NWSL College Draft fourth-round pick Carleigh Williams, as well as 19 non-contract invitees. U.S. Women’s National Team players Carli Lloyd, Meghan Klingenberg and Morgan Brian, as well as Canadian internationals Erin McLeod and Allysha Chapman will not be available for the month-long preseason camp due to national team duties in preparation for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Forward Stephanie Roche, currently with the Ireland Women’s National Team, will join the team for preseason at the conclusion of her current international call-up. The Dash begin their 2015 season at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 10 against the Washington Spirit.
Personally, I think Houston will be one of the more intriguing teams in the NWSL this season. As with the seven other league franchises, the Dash’s fortunes hinge on the absence of several key performers during the World Cup in June. Brian, the first overall selection in the January draft will be one of the most scrutinized players this season, however like several others, will miss time for the World Cup. Although there will be a two week break in June for the World Cup, team cohesion will be something to watch especially since five key players will not be part of the preseason.
Once the World Cup is ended, the Dash will be able to enjoy a bounty of riches at the midfield spot (barring injuries) with Brian and Carli Lloyd joining Ashley Nick and Brittanny Bock. While a more detailed look at the Dash will be coming up in the next few weeks, much of their success hinges on getting off to a great start and being able to sustain momentum after the World Cup is ended. Having a gritty leader like Lloyd and a gifted scorer in Brian may propel Houston into the NWSL elite.
2015 Houston Dash Preseason Roster
Goalkeepers (4): Erin McLeod**, Bianca Henninger, Megan Kinneman*, Jordan Day*
Defenders (17): Allysha Chapman**, Niki Cross, Meghan Klingenberg**, Stephanie Ochs, Lauren Sesselmann, Taylor Leach*, Sam Harder*, Taylor Nelson*, Tessa Andujar*, Ellie Rice*, Brooke Rice*, Whitney Jaynes*, Lauren Hutchinson*, Lauren Silver*, Jen LaPonte*, Jazmyne Avant*, Carleigh Williams
Midfielders (9): Brittany Bock, Morgan Brian**, Jordan Jackson, Carli Lloyd**, Ashley Nick, Allie Bailey*, Quinny Truong*, Laura Eddy*, Cami Privett*
Forwards (9): Melissa Henderson, Ella Masar, Tiffany McCarty, Jessica McDonald, Kealia Ohai, Stephanie Roche**, Kelley Monogue*, Claudia Saucedo*, Anisa Guajardo*
*Non-roster invitee
**Currently with national team
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