On the second day of the NWSL Challenge Cup the Houston Dash lost a two-goal lead in the last eight minutes of the match to get a draw against the host team Utah Royals.

The Texas team came to this special tournament after finishing seventh last season with 7 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses for a total of 26 points. Second year coach James Clarkson worked on rebuilding his team during the offseason, however he kept players such as British international Rachel Daly and goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who have been some of the most important players for the Dash in the last seasons.

On the other hand, Utah Royals, which has a new coach in Craig Harrington, is looking to take advantage of hosting this tournament and consolidate a project that will lead to winning the first championship in franchise history. This team finished the 2019 season with 34 points. Their 10 wins, 10 losses and 4 draws put them on 6^th place and out of the playoffs.

This game started with both team looking to get the lead on the scoreboard early. However, Utah was the team that showed an aggressive game plan, which included a 3-5-2 formation. This desire to get a goal paid off for Utah at the 35^th minute. Amy Rodriguez crossed the ball and found Diana Matheson inside the box to score the first one of the day for the Royals.

The host team did not hold on to the lead for too long. Only six minutes later, Dash midfielder Veronica Latsko found space and set up Rachel Daly, who scored the equalizer and the partial 1-1 at the end of the first half.

Houston started the second half in a high note as Rachel Daly scored of of a corner kick her second goal of the match at the 47^th minute to give the lead to the Texan team. Houston double the lead at the 67’ when Shea Groom scored the 3-1 after her shot from outside the box beat goalkeeper Abby Smith.

Utah was determined to do not let Houston get a win in their tournament opener. At the 82^nd minute, Spaniard international Vero Boquete scored the 3-2 via a free kick. This goal showed the way for the dramatic comeback for the Royals. Only seven minutes later, Tziarra King found the ball inside the small box to score the final 3-3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, Houston will be back into action when they face OL Reign on July 4^th. On the same day, Utah will face Sky Blue on Day 4 of the Challenge Cup.