Offense running out of time
With the Dash having won only once in their last seven games, it would make sense for them to feel downtrodden, especially when their latest game would have been a win had it not been for a late goal by the opponent.
For forward Veronica Latsko, however, everything feels pretty good right now. Houston (6-7-4, 22 points) desperately needs that positive spirit to permeate through the entire team ahead of Friday’s home game against the Chicago Red Stars (7-7-4, 25 points).
It’s yet another pivotal outing as the Dash try to get over the hump and qualify for the postseason for the first time in franchise history. A win at BBVA Stadium Friday would vault the Dash above the playoff line.
In order to win, however, the Dash likely need to score multiple goals — something they have done only once in their last seven games. Latsko, who is second on the team with three goals, would be one of the more likely players to put one in the net, and she said she’s in the right frame of mind to do it.
“I never really score goals if I’m thinking about scoring goals,” Latsko said. “When you’re out there and you’re just enjoying and embracing playing soccer — and I think most people can attest to that — that’s when you play your best. I’ve been enjoying soccer the last few weeks and months with the Dash even when we had those (rough) games. It’s just been fun. I’ve enjoyed when I’ve been out on the field.”
The Dash will enjoy being on their home field Friday, but they must do better with the opportunity than they have lately. Latsko said there are not many feelings better than the one the Dash players get from their fans cheering them on and even that it can give them a second wind late in games when the heat drains all of their energy.
Houston has not been able to take advantage of that lately. It is 1-2-2 in its last five games at BBVA Stadium. Coach James Clarkson knows that is not acceptable for a team with postseason aspirations.
“We’ve said it from the start that our home form if we can get it right will put us into the playoffs,” Clarkson said. “I think we have three home games left, and as it’s looking we probably need maximum points from all three. If we can win at home, it takes a little bit of pressure off us on the road.
“But at this stage every point is valuable. The players know how important the game is. It’s quite exciting that every game we are in is meaningful. It’s in our hands. It’s down to us.”
The biggest thing standing in the way of the Dash taking advantage of all of these meaningful games might be how close they play to their potential. That Latsko is having fun on the field is a good sign that things may be turning the corner.
The Dash’s six Olympians have been back together for three games, and they have added a seventh Olympian in Abby Dahlkemper on a loan from North Carolina. It makes sense that the Dash have not been on all cylinders in those three games, but Latsko said she sees signs of it.
Sometimes things have clicked for small stretches of the last three games. Other times a play might be on but a key pass does not get placed in the right spot because on-field chemistry is not yet at its highest level.
“It’s going to start clicking very fast,” Latsko said. “That’s what I think is going to happen because you see glimpses of it in those last few games (when you say), ‘Wow, that’s really good soccer. That just needs to be more consistent, or that situation needs to happen more frequently during the game.’ And it’s going to happen.”