Houston dominates Sky Blue 6-1 in their last home game of the season (photo by Jose Castellanos).
Houston kept up the positive momentum at home with their playoff hopes stay alive after beating Sky Blue 6-1. With 32 points in the season, the Dash are only 2 points out of the last playoff spot with one match remaining. The win marked two franchise records for Vera Pauw’s team: nine victories in the season and the first game where six different players scored.
The match started with both teams fighting for possession and control of the midfield. Sky Blue’s captain, Carli Lloyd, returned to Houston for the first time since she was traded by Houston at the beginning of the season. She was in charge of creating runs in the midfield to help forward Kaitlyn Johnson on the offensive side, but Dash Linda Motlhalo played an excellent defensive game, pressuring Lloyd in every sector of the pitch.
That’s were Sky Blue started struggling in the match. Not being able to create opportunities on offense, in addition to a poor defensive performance. It resulted in a disastrous game for the New Jersey team that completely fell apart in the second half.
The Dash dominate Sky Blue in their last home game of the season (photo by Jose Castellanos).
The Houston Dash knew that if they wanted to remain in playoff contention, they needed to perform accordingly. Therefore, they did. Pauw included in the starting lineup rookie midfielder Haley Hanson, who was a key player in the match. Recovering the ball and helping in defense, Hanson gave Motlhalo room to neutralize Lloyd. Her play also helped free Sofia Huerta in the midfield, who created chances for the forwards as well as finishing some of those chances herself.
Overall the game plan and performance by Dash players was exceptional. It was the best way to finish their home season schedule.
The first goal for Houston came after Linda Motlhalo, who scored her first NWSL career goal, took advantage of a rebound inside the box in the 22’. Houston doubled the lead in the 48’ when rookie Veronica Latsko’s header beat goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Only six minutes later, the visitors would get their lone goal when Imani Dorsey scored for Sky Blue after a defensive mistake by the Dash.
The Dash didn’t stay down long, scoring their third goal in the 65′ via Sofia Huerta; her eighth goal of the season. Only two minutes later Huerta would win a penalty kick, which was converted by Rachel Daly to make it 4-1. Daly’s goal marked her tenth goal of the season. The 5-1 came late in the match when Haley Hanson scored her first goal of the season in the 88th minute. To cap off the great performance by the Dash, Thembi Kgatlana scored in stoppage time, making the final score 6-1.
Next for the Dash is a complicated visit to the North Caroline Courage where they will have only one thing in mind, to win. This is a must if Houston wants to remain in playoff contention. In addition, they will have to wait for other results in order to advance to the postseason for the first time in club history.
On the other hand, Sky Blue, who stand last in the league, remain winless this season. They have only five points after twenty-one games. They will try to get their first win of the season on September 1st when they visit the Washington Spirit.
Photos by Jose Castellanos
Houston Dash
