COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M Aggies welcome the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League for an exhibition match Saturday evening at Ellis Field. First kick is slated for 5 p.m.
The contest is free to spectators. Fans will get a preview of the 2019 squad, including early enrollees Katie Smith, Ali Russell and Katie Smith.
The Aggies return 16 letterwinners from the 2018 campaign, including eight of 11 starters (started at least 50% of A&M's matches). The returnees account for 40 of the Aggies' 49 goals from last season. Texas A&M welcomes back All-American Ally Watt along with fellow All-SEC performer Addie McCain and former SEC All-Freshman honorees Ásdís Halldórsdóttir, McCain, Grace Piper and Watt.
The Maroon & White opened the spring with a 3-1 victory over Lamar and a 2-1 loss at TCU.
Texas A&M wrapped up the 2018 season with a 17-5-1 mark. The Aggies earned a bid to their 24th consecutive NCAA Championship and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 15th time in school annals.
The Dash, members of the highest professional women's league in the world, are prepping for their NWSL season-opener April 14 when they host Seattle Reign FC, featuring former Aggie Shea Groom, at BBVA Compass Field. Houston is skippered by first-year head coach James Clarkson.
Saturday is the third of five playing dates for the Aggies at Ellis Field. Sunday, March 31, the Aggies host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Stephen F. Austin in a three-way round robin. The Aggies wrap up the spring slate Wednesday with an 8 p.m match against Baylor at Ellis field.