Houston Dash 0-1 OL Reign
HOUSTON, TX–The OL Reign beat the Dash 1-0 in Houston and kept the good momentum going as they are now sitting in third place of the NWSL standings. Houston lost more than three points in this match. They lost the chance to jump in the standings and get into a playoff spot–the main goal for the Dash this season.
Courtesy of OL Reign
Houston was coming into this match after winning against Racing Louisville. Moreover, after Wednesday’s match new Dash defender Abby Dahlkemper made her debut with the South Texas team. So, the home team had the energy and the positive vibes to get a a win on this match.
On the other hand, OL Reign came to the Space City after an impressive win over the Portland Thorns. Also, they came with a record of 5 wins and only 1 loss in their last 6 games. One of those 5 wins was a 5-1 victory over the Dash on August 7th.
The match started well for the away team. Coach Laura Harvey had a great game plan to face the Dash. They were pressuring Houston in their last third, with even six players. This created many problems for the home team that was losing the ball very fast.
Because the Reign was recovering the ball very quicky, they created many chances to score. One of those chances happened at the 7th minute when Jess Fishlock had an opportunity inside the box, but her shot was blocked by goalkeeper Jane Campbell. However, Bethany Balcer was there put it in and scored the first goal of the night.
Courtesy of the Houston Dash
After the goal, Houston barely created chances to get the equalizer. It was the Pacific Northwest team that kept pressuring and having chances, but none of them were successful and the visitors went to the half with the 1-0 lead.
For the second half the Reign came very aggressive. They had many chances to double the lead, but Campbell had a great match and kept her team on the game.
After some substitutions, Houston was more aggressive. Especially when Shea Groom came in. The Dash could have tied the match, but their last touch was missing and were not able to find the equalizer.
At the end of the 90, no more goals were scored and OL Reign got an important victory on the road.
Now, the Houston Dash will travel to Florida to face the Orlando Pride, whereas the Reign will continue their road trip as they will visit Kentucky to play against Racing Louisville.
