The NWSL Challenge Cup Champions Houston Dash returned home to play in over a year in front of their fans to host Orlando Pride in their second match of the NWSL Fall Series.
Both teams came to this match after facing NC Courage in their last matches. Houston lost in their visit to the Courage 4-3, whereas Orlando got a 0-0 draw. Also, both teams were missing their key players. Dash captain Rachel Daly was loaned out to West Ham United for the remaining of the year, and Pride’s star Alex Morgan signed a deal with Tottenham for the rest of the 2020, as well.
The match started with the Dash wanting to control the possession of the ball at midfield and use their vertical game to open the scoreboard. Shea Groom and Kristie Mewis were responsible to create opportunities in offense as Sophie Schmidt gave equilibrium to the team in the middle of the pitch. Orlando on the other hand wanted to neutralize the fast game Houston had by keeping the order in the back line and building from there in offense with the help of Brazilian superstar Marta.
As the match progressed, the home team achieved controlling the rhythm of the match. Moreover, they pressure Orlando in every sector of the field making the visitor side missed many passes and kept them far from scoring. Also, Pride midfielders looked confused and were not connecting with the offense. Houston rotations in their last third were confusing the visitors back line as well. Therefore, Houston looked as the team that could take the lead at any moment.
Sure enough, the match saw its first goal at the 27th minute. Canadian forward Michelle Prince gave the lead to the home team after a great pass from teammate Sophie Schmidt.
Houston continue with the attacks after the first goal. As a matter of fact, they were close to double the lead, if it wasn’t because Orlando’s goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was on point in many plays to save her side from receiving more goals in the first forty-five minutes.
Before the halftime break, Orlando tied the scoreboard when Marisa Viggiano’s shot from inside the box beat Dash captain Jane Campbell and then hit the post before going in for the partial 1-1 at the half.
The second half continue with the home team pressuring Orlando and creating opportunities to score a second goal. At the 53’ during an attacking play, Shea Groom was fouled inside the box. The referee called for a Penalty kick, which was transformed by Sophie Schmidt for the partial 2-1 at the 54th minute.
The home team continue with the same game plan designed by coach James Clarkson. And this paid off for the Orange at the 72’ when Groom found the ball inside the small box after this bounced off the post and kicked it in to make it 3-1.
Houston continue attacking an Orlando side that was not responsive, but at the end of the 90’ the Dash got the win in the return of NWSL to the Space City.
With the win, Houston Dash will start preparing for their upcoming match on October 4th as they will be hosting the NC Courage. On the other hand, the Pride will have two weeks to prepare for their next match when they face again the Dash on October 9th , but this time in Orlando, Florida.
