Washington Spirit 1-Houston Dash 2
The Houston Dash entered Saturday night’s match against the Washington Spirit needing a spark. After going winless in their last seven matches, three points was not just necessary but critical to their postseason ambitions. While there were a few bumps along the way (both on the pitch and in the sky) they overcame, snagging a 2-1 win on the road at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Washington took the lead early in the second half when midfielder Jordan DiBiasi (52′) finished off a throw-in from Kim Staub with a header past Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. But Houston showed their resolve with an equalizer from Kristie Mewis just four minutes later. They would take the lead in the 72nd minute when midfielder Christine Nairn laced a free kick into the box for Amber Brooks to head home. The Spirit nearly leveled the score late when Houston conceded a penalty. However, Campbell made the diving stop on a shot from Mallory Pugh to maintain the result and earn the three points.
With the win, Houston (4-5-4, 16 points) snaps their seven game winless run and move to within two points of the Spirit (5-4-3, 18 points) for the fourth and final playoff spot in the NWSL standings. Their road trip doesn’t get any easier though, as they will travel to Portland on Wednesday night to take on the Thorns (10:30 PM EST/7:30PM PST Yahoo).
As for the Spirit, the loss extends their winless streak to five. While they are still in fourth they will have to get points away from the SoccerPlex as they embark on a two game road trip. This stretch starts on Wednesday as they take on SkyBlue FC (7pm EST/10PM PST, Yahoo).
All of photos are courtesy of yours truly and you can check out all of my photos from the match on SmugMug.
Washington Spirit
Houston Dash
