The Houston Dash played to a 0-0 draw against Chicago Red Stars to start defending their Challenge Cup title.
In a match that also served to celebrate the 2020 Challenge Cup title in front of over four thousand fans, the Dash and its coach James Clarkson wanted to prove what happened last season was not just luck and that they are the team to beat this year because they feel they deserve that title. However, the task was not easy for their first match as the squad was missing six starters due to international duty.
On the other hand, Chicago came to this match with the mission of keep proving themselves they are a solid team and that they are real contenders in this season.
The match was controlled most of the time by the away side. They created many chances to open the scoreboard. They controlled the possession of the ball and managed the rhythms of the game. Dani Colaprico, Morgan Gautrat, and former Dash Kealia Ohai were the key players for the Windy City team. However, the team struggled with their last touch on Friday night and were not able to a goal that will give them the victory.
Houston, on the other hand, showed a good defensive game and even though goalkeeper Jane Campbell was not part of the game as she is with the USA National team, her replacement, goalkeeper Lindsey Harris had a solid game. The Orange also had a good game plan in midfield as they pressured Chicago and did not let them have long possessions, but unfortunately for them, they struggled to find clear chances to score.
After the tie, both team have to turn the page very fast as they have two matches coming up very soon. Houston now will have to away games which will be very difficult. They will travel to Washington State to face OL Reign and then a trip to the Midwest region to face Kansas City on April 16th and 26th. Good thing for them is that they will have a full squad for those matches. Chicago on the other hand, will host two home matches against Portland and Kansas City on April 15th and April 20th. Those games very important for them if they want to qualify to the knockout round of this competition.
