The 2015 NWSL season drew another step closer today when the league released the schedule of home openers. Three Houston Dash fixtures were included in the release: the Dash will take center stage on April 10th when they host the first match of the 2015 NWSL season as the Washington Spirit come to town. Eight days later, the Dash visit Yurcak Field (the scene of a lengthy rain delay and match postponement last season) for Sky Blue’s home opener. Finally, the Dash will open Boston’s home season at Harvard University on April 26th.

Depending on national team camps, the match against Washington could be Ari Romero’s first match in BBVA Compass Stadium wearing Spirit red. If she is present, it will be a bittersweet night for the many Romero fans in Houston who will have a chance to pay tribute to the right back, yet must also see her playing for the opposition team.

It is as of yet unclear as to whether any World Cup bound players will be present for opening weekend. Indications are that Canadian players may be in residency and unavailable. There remains some hope, however, that the USA players will be present as well as possibly other nation’s players such as the two Brazilians on the Dash roster.

NWSL will take a 12-day break during the group stage of the World Cup and rumors suggested that half of the matches for the season will take place after the World Cup.

The season will come to a close on the weekend of September 5-6 with the playoffs to take place on September 12-13 and the championship the weekend of September 26-27.

Noticeable on the opening weekend schedule is the lack of a stadium (or date) mentioned for FC Kansas City’s opener against Sky Blue. When FCKC made the move to Durwood Stadium last season, it was reported that they had a two year deal. Potentially, the lack of a date and stadium could suggest efforts to hold a double header with Sporting Kansas City such as the Chicago Red Stars and Chicago Fire did last season, however that is speculation (see update below).

The full set of home openers is as follows:

WEEK 1

Friday, April 10

Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit (BBVA Compass Stadium)

Saturday, April 11

Portland Thorns FC vs. Boston Breakers (Providence Park)

Sunday, April 12

Seattle Reign FC vs. Western New York Flash (Memorial Stadium)

To Be Determined

FC Kansas City vs. Sky Blue FC (TBD)

WEEK 2

Saturday, April 18

Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC (Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex)

Sky Blue FC vs. Houston Dash (Yurcak Field)

Washington Spirit vs. FC Kansas City (Maryland SoccerPlex)

WEEK 3

Sunday, April 26

Boston Breakers vs. Houston Dash (Harvard University)

WEEK 4

Saturday, May 2

Western New York Flash vs. Boston Breakers (Sahlen’s Stadium)

UPDATED

FC Kansas City have announced a move to Swopes Park, their third home in three seasons, as part of a strategic partnership with Sporting Kansas City. The partnership includes some shared marketing, joint use of Sporting Kansas City’s Swopes Park facility and the use of Sporting Park for certain FC Kansas City games.

The move significantly upgrades FC Kansas City’s practice and match facilities (they will practice at Swopes Park as well) and potentially becomes a model for other partnerships between NWSL and MLS teams.