NWSL Women· Season 2025
Match Summary
Houston Dash W defeated North Carolina Courage W 2:1. The match was played in NWSL Women 2025. Goals were scored by R. Jackson 32′ (pen.), K. van Zanten 39′, S. Schmidt 90′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Houston Dash W had 43% possession while North Carolina Courage W held 57%. Houston Dash W had 7 shots (2 on target) compared to 13 (4 on target) for North Carolina Courage W. Houston Dash W made 4 substitutions, North Carolina Courage W made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Jaedyn Shaw 29′).
Match Events
Key match events between Houston Dash W and North Carolina Courage W — 3 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: M. Graham
Match Statistics
Houston Dash W had 43% possession against North Carolina Courage W's 57%. Houston Dash W registered 7 shots (2 on target) while North Carolina Courage W managed 13 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 2–5. Fouls committed: 13–9.
Lineups
Houston Dash W lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Fabrice Gautrat, while North Carolina Courage W deployed a 3-4-1-2 under Nathan Thackeray.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Houston Dash W is 6.99, compared to 6.98 for North Carolina Courage W. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Houston Dash W's highest-rated starter is K. van Zanten (7.33), while North Carolina Courage W's best-rated player is M. Matsukubo (7.32).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Houston Dash W have contributed 6 goals and 1 assists this season, led by K. van Zanten (4G). North Carolina Courage W's starters account for 2 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by M. Matsukubo (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Houston Dash W deploy 4 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against North Carolina Courage W's 1-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Houston Dash W field 5 midfielders averaging 7.07, versus North Carolina Courage W's 7 rated 7.10. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Houston Dash W start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.70, compared to 2 for North Carolina Courage W averaging 6.50. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 75% for Houston Dash W and 82% for North Carolina Courage W. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Houston Dash W's starters have collected 10 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for North Carolina Courage W. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Houston Dash W's starting XI is 27.4 (youngest: E. Duljan (22), oldest: A. Chapman (36)), while North Carolina Courage W average 24.2 (youngest: R. Jackson (20), oldest: R. Williams (29)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Houston Dash W's starters average 5 league appearances each, versus 7 for North Carolina Courage W. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Fabrice Gautrat
Substitutes
Coach: Nathan Thackeray
Rivalry since 2019
Houston Dash W vs North Carolina Courage W Head to Head Results· 15
Houston Dash W and North Carolina Courage W have met 15 times — Houston Dash W won 5, North Carolina Courage W won 9, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. North Carolina Courage W leads the head-to-head with 9 victories from 15 meetings. A combined 57 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.80 per match (26 for the home side, 31 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 10 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 10 games (67%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–4 in 2022.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Houston Dash W have recorded 1 win, 1 draw and 4 defeats. North Carolina Courage W show 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026