Actually the Dash

It's been a little while. But thankfully we are back! Or at least some of us are back. For this episode Hayley chats with Very Good Friend of the Show, Nicholas (@GeneralHosen) about the *many* Dash games that have happened since we last had a chance to record. There have been some ups, some downs, some thrills, and a few too many spills. But we're here to give you that good Dash content as we enter the final quarter of the season. The Dash are currently in 8th place, but only three points out of 4th place, and with a game in hand. So everything is still to play for.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Charles cover a pair of 2-1 games—one happy, the other not-so-happy. First, it's the 2-1 loss to Chicago, featuring some delightful play from Jasmyne Spencer, lots of questionable refereeing, and two own goals. Oof. Then, a 2-1 win over North Carolina. Not the prettiest game, but a Very Dash Win. You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Charles are back with three games to discuss. A(nother) frustrating loss, and then two solid wins. And most notably: two wins where the finishing was actually solid. They discuss the highs and lows of the 1-0 defeat to Louisville, the 2-1 victory over Orlando, and the 2-0 defeat of OL Reign, with some special love for María Sánchez and Jasmyne Spencer.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Charles are back with…a lot of games to discuss. They cover Houston's slow start, followed by two victories. This team can't seem to win the games where they play well, but at least they're winning the games they play poorly! There's also a lot of transfer news, and a bit of talk about the international break and NWSL playing cards.Which of the new signings has you most excited? Who is going to step up while the internationals are gone? Are the Dash actually as good as we thought?You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles hops on the phone for a conversation with Shea Groom. They talk about the start to the Dash season, the team’s approach to the season, her growth as a player—including the process of getting comfortable with a more…confrontational play style. There’s also some discussion of the NWSL Players Association and race issues in the league. Most importantly, there are Bullet updates (turns out he’s gained a few Corona pounds). You can follow Shea at @ sheabayy2, and you can follow us at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Charles recap the final match of the Challenge Cup against Portland, and go over the team’s performance across the whole tournament. Who were the standouts, what to make of the lopsided shape of the Dash 4-3-3, and what can we look forward to with the start of the regular season?The NWSL also finally released the results of their investigation into the racial harassment incident with Sarah Gorden from the start of the tournament. We are, to say the least, not thrilled. Join us for some righteous anger, and some consideration of whether (and how) to support teams and leagues that consistently fail to live up to expectations.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Charles talk over the first Dash win of 2021, a resounding 3-1 win over Kansas City. It’s nice to get the internationals back. It’s less nice to see Allysha Chapman get smashed in the face with an elbow. Did Rachel Daly employ some dark arts to win her penalty? How have the NWSL tech issues migrated over to Paramount+ and will we ever get to just...watch these games without issues coming up?We also say goodbye to Bridgette Andrzejewski who announced her retirement. And we celebrate the Dash Challenge Cup victory being named the Houston Sports’ 2020 Moment of the Year.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/). Her new album came out last week and Charles has been listening to it pretty much nonstop!

Hayley and Charles are back. They’re excited to discuss the return of actual soccer, with the Dash playing the Red Stars in a reprise of the 2020 Challenge Cup final. Unfortunately, the game itself ended up taking a back seat to what happened off the field. After Sarah Gorden and her family were racially profiled by BBVA security, the Dash released an appalling statement effectively disavowing all responsibility. We are deeply disappointed at this response, and at the broader failure of the organization to take racial justice issues seriously.For more on this, check out Annie Costabile’s (@AnnieCostabile) article: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/4/10/22377192/nwsl-red-stars-defender-sarah-gorden-accusations-racial-profiling. Here is the link to Houston’s awful statement: https://twitter.com/HoustonDash/status/1380941355749376004. And here is a link to their (just released) updated statement, which is much better: https://twitter.com/HoustonDash/status/1381679924684197892You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Hayley and Nicholas check in on all the Dash news: from Tigres to open practice to the NWSL space race. They also discuss the start of the Challenge Cup. Did you know that the Dash are the defending Challenge Cup champions? True fact.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/), who has a new album coming out this year which is going to be *excellent.*

Episode 22: Challenge Cup OverviewHayley and Charles look at the Challenge Cup schedule, talk through the Dash matchups, and discuss plans for fans to attend some games. They also check in on how some players are doing in preseason, including the mandatory ATD Haley Hanson update. Spoiler: we’re still big fans!You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/), who has a new album coming out this year which is going to be *excellent.*

Hayley and Charles cover the SheBelieves Cup, including a couple starts for Jane Campbell and Kristie Mewis, some solid play from the Canadian cohort, and some collective mourning at the news about the ACL of Lorena Benítez. They also talk a bit about federation support (or lack thereof) from Argentina and US Soccer, and send out some love to everyone who helped raise money to support those hit by the Texas storms.You can follow us on Twitter at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/), who has a new album coming out this year which is going to be *excellent.*

Hayley and Charles have a wide-ranging conversation with Nichelle Prince about her experiences with the Dash and the Canadian national team. Positive vibes as the team prepares for the 2021 season, her role as one of the team’s veterans, what it’s like playing with Christine Sinclair, and lots more.You can follow Nichelle at @nichelleprince7, and you can follow us at @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews). Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Episode 19: Talking Dash with NicholasHayley is joined this week by Nicholas (@GeneralHosen), who talks about his experience getting into woso, following the W-League, and supporting the Dash from Michigan. They also spend some time talking through the Dash roster, their thoughts on the exciting 2020 season, and a few dream roster additions.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

This week Hayley got on the phone with Bri Visalli to talk about her first exciting year with Houston. The tough times leading to her first professional contract, the development in her game, the excitement of winning the Challenge Cup, and the regret over all the photos of the aftermath.You can follow Bri at @brivisalli, and please send her any tips for coffee and other fun things to do in Houston. Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles and Hayley catch up on all the Dash news. Expansion draft, college draft, team awards, national team performances, and the proper way to refer to a group of Mewii. Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles and Hayley wrap up the 2020 campaign. Victory in the Challenge Cup, almost-victory in the Fall Series, and some major reasons for excitement going forward. They also discuss the upcoming expansion draft, the National Team camp, and the (lack of) postseason awards. What is it going to take to get James Clarkson a Coach of the Year award?!Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Episode 15: Dash TriumphantCharles and Hayley discuss goals galore in a series of impressive performances, rave about Kristie Mewis, celebrate Sophie Schmidt, and generally bask in the glow of covering a genuinely great team. They also get a little more serious and talk COVID, fans in the park, and positive tests.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles and Hayley are back to discuss the NWSL’s fall series. The Dash will get games against North Carolina and Orlando, and we think it’s going to be pretty intense. Plus, more and expanded coverage on CBS.Plus, some extended conversation about race in sports, and the need for more concrete action to support Black players.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

The Houston Dash won the Challenge Cup! To reflect on what it means, Charles and Hayley invite the good and great Sandra Herrera and Claire Watkins from Southside Trap to talk about Houston, Chicago, and this whole event.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Follow Sandra at @SandHerrera_, Claire at @ScoutRipley, and Southside Trap at @SouthsideTrapod.Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

For the first time in their history, the Houston Dash have won a knockout game. Charles and Hayley get together to talk about the bloodbath in the quarterfinals and Jane Campbell’s heroics, and then discuss the upcoming semifinal matchup against Portland.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

The preliminary rounds are over and it’s time to get ready for the quarterfinals. Hayley and Charles catch up on the last three Dash games – the positives, the negatives, and their hopes for the knockout stage. First step: Utah. After that...the world.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

For today’s show, Hayley got on the phone with Kristie Mewis. They talked about the awesome start to the Dash season, the evolving team culture, their objectives for the tournament (they want to win it), and her national team experiences.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/)

The Dash are back and they looked really good! Never mind those pesky set pieces at the end. Charles and Haley break down their positives and negatives from the 3-3 draw against Utah. Stylish play, excellent performances from newcomers, questionable refereeing...this match had everything.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

For today’s show, Hayley hops on the phone to chat with Veronica Latsko. They cover the team’s participation in #BlackLivesMatter protests, preparations for the Challenge Cup, the road back from injury, and Veronica’s commitment to inclusion.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles and Hayley discuss the four scheduled Dash opponents in the Challenge Cup. What do we hope to get from each game? How do we like our odds? What matches have the most excited? We also hope everyone out there is finding ways to work toward dismantling white supremacy, whether through protests, engaging with friends and family, supporting bail and legal funds and BlackLivesMatter organizing, or whatever else you can manage. If you’re looking for organizations to support, our friend Claire Watkins has put together an excellent list here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10UdoN5WVUZQtH81JX4SrQutcw1YBe4hQfJlpLws301c/edit#gid=1258891674Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles is joined by Philip Feldwisch (@philipfeldwisch) who talks about his experiences supporting the Dash and becoming a season ticket holder. Also: some thoughts about the potential return of the league for a July tournament in Utah.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles and Hayley discuss their preferred starting XIs, talk a bit about tactics and flexibility, and generally express their enthusiasm for what looks like the strongest and deepest roster the Dash have ever put together.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually, @olneyce, @HayleySnider2. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles hops on the phone with Haley Hanson to discuss everything from her thoughts about the Dash to playing in Australia to positional flexibility to true crime podcasts.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

Charles is joined by Hayley Snider (@hayleysnider2) to discuss her favorite Dash game, experiences as a Bayou City Republic drummer, and the state of the team coming into the 2020 season (whenever it begins).Follow us on Twitter: @DashActually. The show is produced in partnership with Backline Soccer (@backlinesoccer) and NWSL News (@NWSLNews).Music provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/).

In this episode, Charles breaks down his personal favorite Dash game – the season opener against Chicago from 2017 – and uses that as a springboard to reflect a little bit on Houston’s progress over the years.Follow us on Twitter: @DashActuallyMusic provided by Vanessa Peters (https://vanessapeters.bandcamp.com/)

In this inaugural episode, Charles chats with Katie Naughton about joining the Dash, settling into the Houston scene, and life under quarantine.Music provided by Vanessa Peters