Ebony Salmon speaks about her Houstan Dash team.

“It was definitely a surprise,” the 21-year-old English forward said. “I think anyone who comes in here wants to make the playoffs. That’s our first target.”

The Dash have finished no higher than seventh in the nine-team league in each of their first five seasons, including last year’s ninth-place finish. They were 8-12-4 in 2017 and scored only 27 goals, tied for second fewest in the league.

Despite the team’s struggles, Salmon is optimistic about the Dash’s chances this season. She has been impressed with the team’s young nucleus, which includes U.S. national team players Kealia Ohai and Jane Campbell, as well as Canadian World Cup veterans Allysha Chapman and Diana Matheson.

“I think we have a lot of potential,” Salmon said. “We have a lot of young players who are willing to work hard and learn. I think we can surprise a lot of people this year.” The Dash have never made it to the postseason in their seven-year existence.

“It would mean everything,” Houston forward Ebony Salmon said of qualifying for the playoffs. “It would show all of our hard work has paid off and we deserve to be here. We’ve put in so much effort this season and it would be great to see it all come to fruition.”

Salmon, who was acquired by the Dash in a trade with the Orlando Pride in January, has played a big role in Houston’s success this season. She has scored four goals and tallied two assists in 13 games for the Dash.

“I feel like I’ve settled in really well,” Salmon said of her time with the Dash. “The team has made me feel welcome and part of the family. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Despite not making the playoffs in their history, the Dash have been one of the most successful teams in the NWSL in terms of development. U.S. women’s national team stars such as Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan all began their professional careers with the Dash.