Orange In The Oven
FanSided

Houston Dash’s Nichelle Prince critical to Canada’s Arnold Cup success

By Louis Roesch

GRENOBLE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Nichelle Prince #15 of the Canadian National Team and Rebekah Stott #6 of the New Zealand National Team battle for the loose ball, as Katie Bowen #14 of the New Zealand National Team looks on during a game between New Zealand and Canada at Stade des Alpes on June 15, 2019 in Grenoble, France. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
GRENOBLE, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Nichelle Prince #15 of the Canadian National Team and Rebekah Stott #6 of the New Zealand National Team battle for the loose ball, as Katie Bowen #14 of the New Zealand National Team looks on during a game between New Zealand and Canada at Stade des Alpes on June 15, 2019 in Grenoble, France. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Houston Dash will play a critical role in the Canadian National Women’s Team soccer success at the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup beginning February 17, 2022.  The Cup features four of the best teams in the world. Host England, Germany, Spain will all get to test their level of excellence against the defending Olympic champion side from Canada. Forward Nichelle Prince aong with Houston teammates Allysha Chapman and Sophie Schmidt are  expected to play a monumental role for Canada.

Prince has been on the Canadian scene for some time time now beginning in 2012. As a member of Canada’s U17 squad, she won silver at the CONCACAF Championship. Houston were able to see a glimpse of the player she would be when she participated in the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers in the Bayou City. In 2018, she scored the first of her 13 goals for the senior side. Now a seasoned veteran (75 caps) in the prime of her career, she is expected to be a catalyst Team Canada’s offenseoffense.

Speaking via a conference call with Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman on Friday (Feb 7, 2022), there were nothing but accolades for the young star. The first two words from Priestman were “very consistent” something Houston fans have witnessed over the years.

Last spring Prince signed an extension with the club and has become a fixture in Houston.  Much like she does against her NWSL foes, the 26 year old has done on the international scene. Priestman’s most ardent description of her young forward used some of the same words Dash head coach James Clarkson has used in the past.

"“Nichelle is a nightmare for opponents in tournament football,” continued Priestman. “She is critical to our success.”"

Prince’s ability to stretch the field and then find the open teammate has made her nightmare consistently for NWSL and international opponents alike. Canada expects her to dictate the offense not by goal scoring but by opening space for her teammates and then finding the open one at just the right moment. She has proven to be a great facilitator allowing for others to have the limelight yet still being able to live in the parameters of her motto “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” As Canada meets England in the Arnold Clark Cup opener on February 17, 2022, the spotlight will once again shine on number 15 and Canada’s success will be at her  feet.

Home/Houston Dash