After a great performance by Kristie Mewis, the Dash beats NC Courage 4-1. This was the first victory for the orange over the East Coast team. In addition, with this match, the NWSL Fall Series action comes to an end in the Space City.
This was a big test for Houston, that was coming to this match after beating Orlando Pride 3-1. On the other hand, the Courage came to HTown after a week off. The Dash wanted to prove they can beat the team coached by Paul Riley after they lost in their visit to North Caroline 4-3 on September 12th. This time they showed why this team is the NWSL Challenge Cup Champions and make a clear statement that Houston is for real.
Houston was controlling the match from the starting whistle. Despite the great high pressure, the Courage was doing, the Dash midfield led by Kristie Mewis and Sophie Schmidt controlled the possession of the ball and the rhythm of the entire match.
North Caroline created some opportunities, especially when Brazilian superstar Debinha had the ball. She tried to move all over the field and connect with Lynn Williams in offense, but the Dash backline was on point all game long to control the USWNT player.
The Orange saw the return of Allysha Chapman, who was suspended from the previous match after she got a red card in North Caroline, helping in defense with her speed, timing, and experience.
The Dash found the first goal of the match when Kristie Mewis, coming off of a corner kick, received the ball and found Sophie Schmidt, who netted in, for the 1-0 at the 30’. Only seven minutes later, Veronica Latsko doubled the lead for the home team after Kristie Mewis recovered the ball just outside the Courage’s box and found the forward, who beat goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland for the partial 2-0 at the half.
The second forty-five the Dash kept pressuring the visitors and showed a complete domination of the midfield. The home team continue with the attacks using Nichelle Prince and Bri Visalli as wings, and Shea Groom in the center. North Caroline struggled so much at midfield that even Lynn Williams needed to play at midfield to help in defense to try to recover the ball for her team.
All the attacks for the Orange paid off when Kristie Mewis scored the 3-0 with a great shot to the far post of Rowland at the 60’.
After the third goal, Houston relaxed a bit, and let North Caroline create some opportunities in offense. The visitors were close to get the goal at the 73’ when the ball hit the crossbar. Moreover, they found their goal when Lynn Williams header beat Dash captain Jane Campbell for the 3-1 at the 74th minute.
Shea Groom scored a golazo after another great play by Mewis at the 83’ to close the scoreboard at 4-1 and give a more than deserved win to the Dash.
Now, the Dash will close their NWSL Fall Series participation with a trip to Orlando to face the Pride. On the other side, the Courage will also visit Orlando on October 17th.
