The newfound Houston Dash mentality is here to stay

The Houston Dash wrapped up NWSL Challenge Cup play last Sunday, closing out the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC, who will be playing in the Challenge Cup Final this weekend. The Dash finished the 2021 Challenge Cup with a record of 1-0-3. Despite not defending their 2020 title, the results of this tournament prove just how far the Dash have come in recent years.

Only three NWSL teams went unbeaten in this year’s Challenge Cup: Portland Thorns FC, NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Houston Dash. Portland and Gotham will face off in the final this weekend, and though the Dash would much rather be playing in the final themselves, their performance and attitude as a team in this…