Houston Dash and Angel City FC are set to face off in an intriguing NWSL matchup on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT. Both teams are looking to build momentum early in the season, with Houston aiming to leverage their home-field advantage and Angel City seeking to bounce back after a mixed start.
Team Overview
Houston Dash (1-1-1): Houston has had a balanced start to the season, earning a win, a draw, and a loss in their first three matches. They are coming off a narrow 1-0 loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC, where their attack struggled to convert chances. Houston has scored two goals in three matches (0.67 per match) while conceding three (1.0 per match), showcasing their defensive discipline but highlighting their need for more attacking output.
Angel City FC (1-0-2): Angel City has had a challenging start to the season, currently sitting in the lower half of the standings. They are coming off a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC, where Sydney Leroux scored their lone goal. Angel City has scored three goals in three matches (1.0 per match) while conceding four (1.33 per match), showing flashes of attacking promise but struggling defensively.
Key Players to Watch
Houston Dash:
Diana Ordoñez: The forward has been Houston’s most consistent attacking threat, scoring one of their two goals this season. Her physical presence and aerial ability make her a key player in the final third.
María Sánchez: The winger provides creativity and pace on the flanks, delivering quality service into the box.
Jane Campbell: The experienced goalkeeper has been solid, recording one clean sheet and making crucial saves to keep Houston competitive.
Angel City FC:
Sydney Leroux: The veteran forward has been in fine form, scoring two goals this season. Her movement and finishing ability make her a constant danger to opposing defenses.
Alyssa Thompson: The young forward has shown promise with her pace and skill, providing energy and creativity in Angel City’s attack.
DiDi Haracic: The goalkeeper will need to be at her best to keep Houston’s attack at bay.
Tactical Analysis
Houston Dash: Houston will look to control possession and use Sánchez’s creativity to generate chances for Ordoñez. Their defense, anchored by Campbell, will need to stay organized to contain Angel City’s attacking duo of Leroux and Thompson. Set pieces could also be a key area for Houston to exploit.
Angel City FC: Angel City’s game plan will likely focus on their high-pressing approach to disrupt Houston’s buildup play. Leroux’s movement and Thompson’s pace will be crucial in breaking down Houston’s defense. Angel City will also need to tighten up defensively to avoid conceding from counterattacks.
Matchup Insights
Houston has scored two goals this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive production, while Angel City has scored three.
Defensively, Houston has the edge, conceding just three goals compared to Angel City’s four.
Historical matchups between the two teams have been competitive, with Angel City holding a slight edge in recent encounters.
Houston Dash + 170 Draw + 210 Angel City FC+ 160
Over 2.5 + 110 Under 2.5 – 165
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 11, 2025
