Houston Dash and Washington Spirit played to a 2-2 draw on Friday night in Houston.
In a match of two half, the DC team played a smarter game during the first forty-five ad took advantage of the chances they created and scored the partial 1-0 via Paige Nielsen. She opened the scoreboard with a great shot from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Amanda Dennis at the 8th minute of the match.
Houston tried to get the equalizer, but the moves coach James Clarkson did in the starting eleven did not look well. The players were not connected, and this made the home team to struggle in the last third. Sophie Schmidt returned from the Olympics after winning the Gold medal and gave the Dash a big boost in midfield, however, she played only the first half. Also, the return of Rachel Daly was of big help for Houston as well. It is obvious the team still need their other Olympians, who will be available for the ICC tournament in Portland next week.
Courtesy of Houston Dash
The second half started bad for the home team as the Spirit doubled the lead at the 53’ Tori Huster scored the 2-0.
Houston fought back and got a goal at the 61’ when Veronica Latsko scored for the partial 2-1. After the goal, the Dash looked better and they created chances to get the equalizer and why not? Finishing the comeback and winning the match.
It was until the 83’ that Houston’s newcomer and Dash Academy product Michaela Abam scored the 2-2 to give the Dash a well-deserved point. Abam had a fantastic night and was a real home hero scoring that goal on her debut with the Dash in her home city.
Now, the Houston Dash will travel to Portland to play in their first international tournament. The Women’s International Champions Cup will see the Thorns, FC Barcelona, Lyon, and the Dash in this year’s edition. On the other hand, the Spirit will continue its NWSL season as they host the Orlando Pride on August 22nd.
