Dash Deadlock: How Houston and Chicago Red Stars cancelled each other out tactically in the NWSL Challenge Cup

The NWSL Challenge Cup kicked off last week with some competitive matches including the Houston Dash Women vs Chicago Red Stars Women clash. The game ended with a 0-0 draw that does not really serve the ambitions of both teams ahead of their next tough encounters.

In this tactical analysis article, we will break down the tactics of both teams to see why did the game end scoreless and what prevented both teams from scoring, and this will be done while relying on data, extensive analysis and consideration of the game’s key actions.

Line-ups

Houston Dash, coached by James Clarkson, started the game with the 4-1-4-1 formation relying on Lindsey Harris as a goalkeeper, Haley Hanson, Megan Oyster, Katie Naughton and Ally Prisock in defence, Gabby Seiler as a defensive midfielder, Shea Groom and Emily Ogle as central midfielders with Katie Stengel and Brianna Visalli as wingers to support Veronica Latsko, who is the team’s striker, in the attacking phase.

Chicago Red Stars however played this match according to the 4-2-3-1 formation, a formation that many teams in Europe are using with success actually, such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. And head coach Rory Dames preferred to use this formation for this match with Cassie Miller as a goalkeeper, Casey Short, Kayla Sharples, Sarah Gorden and Arin Wright in defence, Danielle Colaprico and Morgan Brian Gautrat as central midfielders, Kealia Watt and Sarah Luebbert as wingers with Vanessa DiBernardo as an advanced playmaker just behind Katie Johnson, the team’s striker.

Houston Dash’s attacking plans and finishing issues

Both teams started the match with a low tempo as opposed to expectations, and we saw Houston Dash having more possession in the first-half yet they were not really able to have an advantage with that possession even though they threatened Chicago Red Stars’ goalkeeper several times.

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