Houston Dynamo 3-Washington Spirit 2
Taking advantage of playing at home again to get another important three points was the mission for Houston on Sunday night. And they did so as they beat the Washington Spirit 3-2 to jump to fifth place in the standings. On the other hand, the Spirt was not able to take points away of a short-handed Dash.
Even before the match started, everything seemed to be against the Orange. Dash forward Kyah Simon, who was carrying a leg injury and who was announced as a started, was not able to play. During the warm ups, the injury got worse and made her and Houston’s medical staff determine she was not fit to play. Mana Shim, took her place on the starting 11.
The first half was very well fought by both teams. Houston created some chances to score specially when they attacked using their wings. The speed and good form of Nichelle Prince and Kealia Ohai, plus the great way Rachel Daly is playing as a false 9 makes Houston’s attacks dangerous for their rivals.
Washington on the other side had some chances, too. Argentine Estafania Banini was the best player for the DC team in their last third. Also, Mallory Eubanks on the Spirit’s right side was a key player in the attacking side for the visitors.
During the match was another unfortunate moment for the home team. Kristie Mewis had to be substituted at the 19th minute with a knee injury. Everything indicates is a torn ACL, but the team has not confirmed the injury or the timeline for the recovery.
Despite all the bad news for Houston throughout the match, right before the first half ended, the home team scored. Prince crossed the ball and found Daly inside the box for the partial 1-0 at the half.
The second half started just the way it needed to for the Orange. Ohai increased the lead for Houston as her shot beat Spirit’s goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe at the 46th minute.
Washington could cut the lead at the 51st minute, but Mallory Pugh, who came in in the second half, missed a penalty kick. However, three minutes later, Banini found herself inside the box and scored the 2-1 for the Spirit.
At the 78th minute Rachel Daly scored her second of the night, and the partial 3-1, when she was assisted by South African Thembi Kgatlana.
Washington tried to make a late comeback when Ashley Hatch took advantage of a Houston defensive mistake and scored the second goal for the away team. However, it was too late and the final scored was 3-2 in favor of the Dash who got her second win in a row.
Next for the Dash is hosting NC Courage, who are visiting Houston for the second time in the season. This match was moved to Sunday June 3rd. On the other hand, the Spirit will host Chicago on Saturday June 6th.
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Jose Castellanos
Houston Dash
Washington Spirit
