Houston’s Allysha Chapman clears the ball from an oncoming Poliana of Orlando (photo by Jose Castellanos).
After an almost two-hour delay due to severe weather, the Houston Dash got an important win over the Orlando Pride 3-1. Rachel Day and Thembi Kgatlana scored for Houston, getting them to 20 points after 16 games played. On the other side, the Orlando Pride lost more than three points on the road. Brazilian superstar Marta saw a red card in stoppage time for what looked to be a hand to her opponents face.
Orlando showed they came to Houston to get the win. They created many chances on offense to score, but the Dash proved more efficient on the offensive side. Pride’s Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux had some chances, but Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell’s saves were crucial to hold her team’s lead at halftime.
The first goal of the match came in at the 17’ when Kealia Ohai started a fast break for Rachel Daly, who beat Orlando’s goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. With the lead, Houston played a smart match, where the order of all the lines were the key to get the eventual win.
It is important to mention that the Dash have showed some noticeable improvements in their game since they traded for Sofia Huerta. She has made a big impact on the team, not only on offense but in the overall energy in the clubhouse. Also, the acquisitions of Taylor Comeau and Clare Polkinghorne gave the Texas team a solid upgrade in defense. An area where Houston struggled during the first half of the season.
The second half of the match was very similar to the first one, where Orlando was controlling the possession and Houston was looking for a counter attack to increase the lead. Houston doubled their lead in the 50’ when Harris blocked a cross from Ohai and the rebound fell right to Daly who finished the play with an awesome volley for her sixth goal of the season.
The goal for Orlando came in at the 55’ when Leroux scored off a corner kick. The third goal for Houston came during stoppage time when South African Thembi Kgatlana scored her first NWSL career goal finishing a Dash counter attack.
Next for Houston is a trip to Portland to face the Thorns, whereas Orlando will be visiting the Utah Royals.
Photos by Jose Castellanos
