What the Houston Dash must do to climb to the top of the NWSL standings | OneFootball

The world is turning their attention to the international stage. Despite the World Cup, the NWSL will be returning to action at the beginning of July. Several teams will be jockeying for position to clinch a playoff berth.

One appears to be returning to form after a few years of being below the standings. The Houston Dash have come out and had an up and down campaign so far.

In order to make the postseason, though, they need to move up in the standings and fast. They are currently in 11th place. They need to continue to do what they have done right thus far.

Kiki Van Zanten for the Dash has four goals on the year and is prolific

They need to continue to press the attack behind Van Zanten. It will be important for them to work behind and create chances for the young midfielder who has come on strong to start 2026.

If more teams are looking to put the breaks on her it may generate chances for the forwards or other players on the attack.

They have a strong midfield and an even more imposing force in goal. Jane Campbell, who helped lead the team to the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup title, is still one of the strongest goalies not just in the NWSL but on the world's stage.

Jane Campbell has three shutouts for the Dash this season

The Houston Dash have plenty of games and opportunities to take on teams that are right around where they are in the standings. But the biggest issue is at the forward position.

Despite having one of the best midfields, they are not generating as many chances from the players who should be pressing the attack more heavily.

Kat Rader is a rookie who has a great opportunity to move into a forward position. She was signed by the Dash after a standout career from Duke. Rader needs to emerge in front of Van Zanten and press the attack more steadily throughout the season.

The Dash's claim to fame is taking home the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. They came out of nowhere by playing as a team and playing clutch soccer on the pitch. They have not done much as a team since.

Now, with the Van Zanten pressing and the steady hands of Campbell, they can once again become a strength in the league. Getting one more press and more from a few on the roster could lead to them getting into the postseason once again.