Hannah Anderson's Confidence Growing in Starting Role, Chicago Red Stars vs Houston Dash Preview

It’s tough for any rookie to find consistent minutes on a good NWSL side, regardless of how the club has acquired you. A third-round pick typically has even more work to do to get on the pitch, let alone start.

Hannah Anderson is putting aside those narratives and proving that she’s deserving of major minutes for the Chicago Red Stars just seven months after being selected 31st overall .

Anderson has started at center back the last four matches alongside Sam Staab, allowing Natalia Kuikka to play out wide on the left side in Chicago’s back four. While she didn’t get her first professional minutes until the end of May, Anderson felt ready to take advantage of the minutes she finally received.

“I felt like I was getting more confident each practice. Obviously, it was a big jump from college to pro, I think for anyone, but I think through practices and getting on the ball more, defending Mal [Swanson], P [Penelope Hocking], and Ally [Schlegel] and all of those guys at the end of the day helped build my confidence.

“I feel like I was just ready. The coaches trusted in me, my teammates trusted in me, so that always helps too.”

Much of that confidence came from the way her teammates in the backline embraced her despite the club initially going through a tough run of form as Anderson’s minutes increased.

“I’ve learned a lot from them, almost too much to say. They’re helping me a lot every day in the little details, in the big things. They’re encouraging me. I feel like I belong with them, which is really important too, just mentally. They’re great. I love how I get to play with them and I’m just learning from them every day.”

Chicago finally got a win with Anderson on the pitch when they defeated the Wave in San Diego and the Plano, Texas native can solely focus on improving her game as her side looks to make a run in 2024.

“Being consistent is key. Working every day for it, I want to be in whatever role the team needs me to be and I was just working my way and my opportunity came. So, just trying to keep that up and being in the role that I am and doing what I can for the girls around me too.”

Anderson recently received a nice accolade from her alma mater, Texas Tech, following her highly-decorated career in Lubbock. She was the University’s nominee for 2023-24 Big 12 Athlete of the Year after being named a First Team All-American after playing over 2000 minutes in her final collegiate season. The nomination was welcomed by Anderson with open arms.

“It’s such an honor. I love Texas Tech, I love Lubbock. I love everything about it. It was such an honor when they reached out and asked me to be the nominee. I’m really proud I can represent Texas Tech because I think it’s a great program and has awesome people that I found there and are still involved in my life.”

The Houston Dash come to town looking to turn things around amidst a terrible run of form. They’re without a win in their last four matches (two losses and two draws) while not scoring a single goal in any of those contests.

Red Stars head coach Lorne Donaldson said during his weekly media availability that he remains concerned about the Dash’s quality despite their recent struggles.

“They have people that can hurt you,” Donaldson said during his weekly media availability. “I tend not to look at the score to see what they’ve done in the past. I just take it a game at a time, because they’re a good team, a well coached team and we have to come out ready to play. We have to treat them like any other opponent.

“They’re a very good team and they’re trying to win some games, like us. But yes, it will be a difficult one, but hopefully, we can get through it.”

Chicago has yet to have more than 50% possession in any match this season, per fbref . Donaldson says he is more concerned about the quality when his side actually has the ball rather than dominating the possession battle.

“We always want a little more possession, but I don’t think more possession wins you games. I just think you have to be efficient when you get the ball. The way we’re built right now isn’t going to be a team that dominates possession. Sometimes we’ll be right there, but we want to be very efficient when we have it.

The Red Stars will be without regular starter Penelope Hocking as she serves her suspension for card accumulation after receiving her fifth yellow card of the season during Chicago’s win in San Diego.

Chicago finished last season well against Houston, beating them in each of their final two matches between the Challenge Cup and NWSL regular season. They could really use a quality performance at home to continue the positive momentum that was built in San Diego.

What's On Tap for the Red Stars

Who: Chicago Red Stars vs Houston Dash

Where: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois

When: July 6, 2024, Noon CT.

How to watch: ESPN

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