The NWSL returns from its summer break with a crucial Week 14 matchup as Bay FC (4-6-3) hosts Houston Dash (3-8-2) at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA. Both teams are looking to climb out of the bottom half of the table and reignite their playoff hopes in the second half of the season.
Match Details
Fixture: Bay FC vs. Houston Dash
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET
Venue: PayPal Park, San Jose, California
Broadcast: NWSL+ / Local Affiliates
Current Standings & Form
| Team | Record | Points | Last 5 Matches | League Position |
| Bay FC | 4W–6L–3D | 15 pts | L-L-W-D-W | 10th |
| Houston Dash | 3W–8L–2D | 11 pts | L-D-L-L-L | 12th |
Bay FC sits just three points outside the playoff line and has shown promise in recent friendlies.
Houston Dash is winless since May 11 but picked up confidence with two summer friendly wins.
Players to Watch
Bay FC
Penelope Hocking
Scored in both summer friendlies and in the last league match vs. Gotham FC
Goal contributions in 7 of last 8 matches across all competitions
Asisat Oshoala 🇳🇬
Fresh off winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria
Brings international pedigree and attacking flair
Joelle Anderson
Leads team in assists (2)
Key playmaker in midfield transitions
Houston Dash
Delanie Sheehan
Bay Area native with 1 goal and 1 assist in league play
Scored in both July friendlies vs. Rayadas and Carolina Ascent FC
Barbara Olivieri 🇻🇪
Team’s top scorer with 2 goals
Dangerous in open play and set pieces
Ryan Gareis
Leads team in assists (3)
Vital in wide areas and crossing situations
Tactical Breakdown
Bay FC will look to dominate possession and use Hocking’s movement to stretch Houston’s backline. Oshoala’s return adds pace and finishing power.
Houston Dash will likely sit deeper and counter through Sheehan and Olivieri, hoping to exploit Bay’s defensive gaps.
Expect a physical midfield battle and a focus on wide play from both sides.
Head-to-Head History
| Date | Result | Venue |
| May 24, 2025 | Houston Dash 2–2 Bay FC | Shell Energy Stadium |
| 2024 | Each team won once | Home & Away |
| All-Time | Even record | Competitive rivalry |
Their last meeting featured a dramatic late equalizer from Houston after Bay FC took a second-half lead.
Final Thoughts
This Bay FC vs. Houston Dash NWSL showdown is a must-win for both sides. Bay FC has the edge in form and home-field advantage, while Houston Dash hopes to turn their season around with renewed energy from the break. With Penelope Hocking in red-hot form and Oshoala returning as a continental champion, Bay FC looks poised to make a statement.
MATCH ODDS
Bay FC – 120 Draw + 235 Houston Dash + 285
Over 2.5 + 110 Under 2.5 + 165
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 1, 2025
