With the Houston Dash finalizing preparations for the regular season, a controlled and successful offense was displayed as they defeated the defensively focused Oregon State Beavers three-nil today at Providence Park. Dominating through the initial minutes of the match, the Dash set the bar from the beginning. In the 13th minute Dash forward Janine Beckie put the Houston side ahead, capitalizing on a cross from left defensive back Stephanie Ochs off a flick from fellow forward Kealia Ohai.
Down one-nil, OSU refused to give up. Working with midfielder Kayla Latham, Natalie Higgins demonstrated skilled footwork to relieve defensive pressure in the back as she utilized the space down the left wing.
Dash forward Chioma Ubogagu seemed to be everywhere in the attacking third of the field. Unable to put a goal away, she created chances for herself and teammates by moving off the ball and maintaining possession.
Continually pressuring OSU goalkeeper Bella Geist, the Dash had several opportunities in the last six minutes of the first half. Although Beckie had a fast break in those minutes, Geist held the score nil-one, with a total of 18 shots and seven saves.
The second half began as both teams continued to battle for possession in the air on the field. The Dash planned well and patiently waited for the right moment to attack OSU. In the fiftieth minute, twelve yards from the goal, Beckie rocked a onetime shot to the left corner; assist from Poliana. As the match continued, both teams showed resilience. OSU defensive back Helene Haavik proved to be needed in the second half. She distributed the ball well and maintained possession at crucial moments while continually battling in every tackle.
Following a yellow card given to OSU defender Allison Pantuso in the seventy-third minute, Dash midfielder Andressa drilled a free kick from 12 yards past goalkeeper Lindsay LaMont, leaving Dash three-nil.
OSU and Dash played with energy and ferocity from the first whistle. Skill, speed and experience allowed Dash to beat the OSU Beavers, despite their valiant defensive efforts.
