The Houston Dash advanced to the NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals after beating the Utah Royals in penalty kicks. In a hard-fought match, which got very chippy thanks to the poor refereeing by Danielle Chesky, Houston was the victorious one on Friday night.
After a 0-0 draw during regulation, Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell came big in the PKs round saving two to put her side on the semis of the tournament.
This match started with both team trying to establish their respective game plans. However, both teams were taking precautions since playing a ‘win or go home’ match changes the perspective on how you face these games. Especially for these teams, who were playing their first-ever elimination match in their franchise history. Because of this, there were big expectations on how both sides will handle this match.
It was clear for Houston coach James Clarkson that if they wanted to advance, they must fix their defensive problems. And that is certainly what they did. They showed order in the back line and good balanced at midfield, which helped them to be the best team on the pitch.
Courtesy of NWSL
On the other hand, Utah Royals seemed confused. They wanted to control the possession of the ball, but also, they wanted the Dash to attack them, so they will have more space in their last third to attack and score goals.
The Royals was the first team having a clear chance to score in the 3rd minute, however, Jane Campbell was inspired and deny the few opportunities the home team had to get a goal. Houston responded fast as its first clear chance to score came in at the 7th minute. This play also marked the first major controversial call by referee Chesky. Dash forward Bri Visalli was fouled about a yard inside the box by Royals’ goalkeeper Abby Smith, but the referee called the fouled outside the box and gave a yellow card to Smith. The free kick hit by Kristie Mewis hit the wall and with that, the opportunity to open the score for Houston went away.
There was another great opportunity for the Dash when Nichelle Prince shot hit the post at the 39th minute. However, this seemed to be just an indicative the ball did not want to go in and PKs will be required to decide the winner.
Courtesy of NWSL
The second half was similar as the first one. Even though both teams did not want to risk much, they created a few chances to score; being the Houston Dash the one that was looking a little closer to get that winning goal. The match started to get very chippy, also. Referee Chesky did not show the appropriate cards at the appropriate time, causing both teams to start playing too aggressive. Moreover, this caused the referee to lose the control of the match and putting in risk the well-being of all the players on the pitch. One player, who was affected by the terrible officiating was Dash defender Megan Oyster, who was pushed into the turf by a Utah player and had to be subbed out and taken to the hospital to get checked out for possible broken ribs in the final minutes of regulation.
Despite the bad refereeing and the very few chances both teams create to score, the match ended with a 0-0 draw; sending these teams to the second ever penalty kick shootout in NWSL history.
Utah started the rounds, but Amy Rodriguez missed the opportunity to put the home team ahead. Houston Dash scored its first PK and then, Jane Campbell’s show started. Campbell, who is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the league and certainly the best one to block PKs, was the hero of the night for the Orange after blocking two shots from the spot. On the other side, the Dash only missed once and got the win in a dramatic finish.
Courtesy of NWSL
Now the Space City team will face the Portland Thorns in the first semifinal of this tournament. Another thrilling match is on the horizon for soccer fans on Wednesday morning. For sure, whichever team gets to the final will be a great finalist.
