Kind of surprised that no thread was started for this game yet. The Royals have a rematch against the Dash, and hopefully it's the second win of the season. Going to be difficult with O'Hara sidelined, though.
So, we're going: Smith, Moros, Sauerbrunn, Corsie, Elby, Scott, Jonsdottir, Tymrak, Gorry, Matheson, Rodriguez. I like it.
I thought Ratcliffe might have gotten the start with O'Hara out, but Harvey has gone with Tymrak up top instead. I really hope we get to see Lytle sub in. She's not a bad player, and Houston isn't a super physical team, so this feels like a game where she could excel.
I was expecting Ratcliffe, and I would have been fine with it. But I've really liked Tymrak, from her limited appearances. She's willing to take risks. I haven't seen enough of Lytle to form a strong opinion. Hopefully we can manage a two-goal lead so that we can see some new faces.
One positive going in: Harvey has never lost to Houston. The draw earlier in the season was the first time the Dash even got a point against a Harvey team.
So, uh...... forget what I said about this not being a physical game. Some really gross challenges from both sides.
Ugh. But it still feels like a matter of time before we score. Of course, Houston is looking dangerous too.
We're really dominating the middle of the park. But we're struggling to create any danger from out wide. Harvey clearly wants Elby and Moros to get up the field, and they are, but we keep overhitting the passes to the corners.
A win today will take Utah into 5th (tied for 4th with Chicago, but Chicago currently owns the tiebreaker courtesy of their win in the home opener). Still within striking distance of a playoff spot, though.
8,323 in attendance. 7-8K is a nice range for the first season. Hopefully the numbers stay steady this year, and improve next season.