Houston looks to build on an opening day draw with the Chicago Red Stars last Sunday. It was the first game under head coach Vera Pauw, and rookie forward Kimberly Keever scored on her debut. The second-round draft pick was one of four rookies who earned their first starton Sunday. In total, seven players made their debuts with the club, which reflected the substantial turnover in the offseason.
The backline featured several familiar faces as goalkeeper Jane Campbell anchored a defense that included team captain Amber Brooks, two internationals in Rachel Daly and Janine Van Wyk, and Kristie Mewis, who made her first start at outside back for the club.