Sky Blue FC showed a new face on Wednesday night at the NWSL Challenge Cup to surprise everyone and beat the Houston Dash 2-0.
The Orange lost this match after an incredible performance in their prior match against OL Reign. On the other hand, Sky Blue wanted to get their first win of the tournament and jump in the standings of the NWSL Challenge Cup.
Houston started the match with the same intensity and rhythm as the team has started their first two matches of the tournament. The Dash was looking to remain in second places of the tournament and keep the good momentum before playing their last game of the preliminary round.
Dash coach James Clarkson game plan includes a high-pressure system that worked for his side, especially in their last game against OL Reign. They wanted to replicate that performance, but Sky Blue had different plans.
Sky Blue, who did not score a goal in their first two matches, were looking to finally show up on offense. And even though they were not creating many chances, they took advantage of a fast play that left the Dash defense frozen to score the partial 1-0 at the 17th minute. With this goal by Paige Monaghan, the East Coast team scored for the first time in the tournament and took the lead against a confused Houston team that was not responsive after going down on the scoreboard.
Moreover, Houston struggled at midfield throughout the match. They were not able to hold the ball for long possessions. That was something that they were able to do in their previous matches.
Perhaps, leaving Canadian international Sophie Schmidt in the bench was a big mistake by coach Clarkson. She was a key player in for Houston as she gave the balance to a fast and dynamic team that uses the counterattack to produce scoring opportunities.
On the other hand, the New Jersey team took advantage of the space Houston gave them to play the ball and managed the rhythms of the match. The speed and intensity the team was showing, created many problems for their rivals in all zones. This pressure and intensity paid off for Sky Blue at the 34’ when they doubled the lead after a big Houston mistake in defense. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell went out of the box to clear a ball. However, midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi recovered the ball and knowing Campbell was off position, shot from midfield to score the spectacular 2-0.
Courtesy of SBFC
The second half started with the Dash controlling the possession of the ball and creating more chances to score. However, those scoring opportunities were not as clear as they would want. Also, It was evident that Sky Blue relaxed for the second forty-five and was looking to play a smart defensive game, which would give them their first win of the tournament.
And sure enough, after controlling some Houston attacks in the second forty-five minutes of action, Sky Blue got its first win of the tournament to jump in the standings and tie Houston and three other teams with 4 points after three games.
Also, it is important to mention that with the Dash loss, and even though they have one match remaining, NC Courage secures the first place of the tournament after winning their first three matches.
Now, Houston will finish the preliminary round against the Washington Spirit on Sunday July 12th, whereas Sky Blue will battle against tournament’s first place North Carolina Courage on Monday July 13th.
Houston Dash
