Houston Dash finished their NWSL Challenge Cup participation with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns. The Rose City side is advancing to this year’s final after winning the Western Conference with a total of 10 points after three wins and a tie. Houston, which are the reigning champions of the Challenge Cup, were already eliminated from the tournament as they ended it in second place of the conference with six points after one victory and three ties.
Courtesy of Houston Dash
This match was pretty entertaining as the Dash wanted to finish their participation in this tournament with a win in front of their home crowd. However, the first half was dominated by the visitors. Portland created many chances to go up on the score board, but Houston’s defensive line was on point to prevent that to happen. The control of the ball at midfield was a key for the Thorns to succeed on Sunday night. Christine Sinclair, Lindsey Horan, and Crystal Dunn were the key players for that to happen. They used their speed in the sides and their precision by the middle to complicate to Dash back line.
Houston also had some chances to get a goal. However, Veronica Latsko and Nichelle Prince were not precise in their last touch. However, just before the end of the first half a great play by Daly at midfield found Latsko in the left side and she crossed the ball inside the box finding Shea Groom to score the 1-0, which was the partial at the half.
The second half started well for the Orange. Sophie Schmidt gave the home side the equilibrium at midfield and mostly all of the offensive transitions started with her. Due to this they managed the timing of the game and were in control of it. Portland had some chances to find the equalizer, but goalkeeper Jane Campbell – as usual – had a great game, keeping her side upon the scoreboard.
Courtesy of Houston Dash
At the 76’ Simone Charley passed Dash defenser Allysha Chapman and crossed the ball finding Sinclair inside the box. Her shot beat Campbell and the final 1-1 was scored.
Now the Houston Dash will have a couple of weeks to prepare for the start of the NWSL regular season, whereas the Thorns will play the Challenge Cup final on May 8th at home against the Eastern Conference winners, Gotham FC.
