Mallory Pugh of the Washington Spirit tries to slip behind the Dash defense (photo by Jose Castellanos).
With only three games remaining in their schedule, the Houston Dash got an important win against the Washington Spirit. It would be Kealia Ohai, Kyah Simon, and Sofia Huerta (on two occasions) who scored to give the Dash their 8th victory of the season. With the win the Dash set a franchise record with the most wins in a season while also setting a club record for most goals scored in a match.
The Washington Spirit visited Houston with only one thing in mind. Get some points to finish their season strong. However, the Dash, who are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, had different plans. The two teams had their best players available for play, so the match was very well fought. This was especially evident in the first half where Houston created many chances to score whereas Washington was trying to control the ball at midfield to have a solid defense performance.
The Dash were determined to get the win, for that reason coach Vera Paul included in the starting line up several offensive players. They had a different game plan from the ones they had in recent games. It was clear they wanted to control the possession of the ball and centralize the game in offense.
Sofia Huerta, who has become one of the most important players for Houston since she arrived, along with Linda Motlhalo, were the most important players on the field for the home team. Kealia Ohai and Rachel
Daly also gave the team the dynamism and speed needed in the last third.
On the other side, the Washington Spirit wanted to generate some offensive game by counter attacking the Dash. Mallory Pugh, who started on the left wing and moved eventually to the right side, was the most dangerous player on the DC team. Along with Pugh, Rose Lavell gave the East coast team the balance her side needed to transition from defense to offense.
Despite a good performance by the away team, the Dash were the superior team who knew how to capitalize on offense, which was something Washington was not able to do. The lead for the home team came at the end of the first half when Ohai scored her fifth of the year in the 41 st minute. Houston double the lead when Sofia Huerta scored in the 58’ when her shot beat Audrey Bledsoe to make it 2-0. In the 76′ she would get her second of the night. The final goal of the night for Houston came in at the 84’ when Kyah Simon, who came in off the bench, scored off a cross from Latsko.
After the win the Dash still have a chance to qualify, for the first time, to the post season as they have 29 points after 21 games. Washington on the hand, remains in eighth place in the standings, earning only 10 points in the season.
Up next for Houston is a trip north to face the Seattle Reign on Tuesday before coming home to play their home finale at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday the 25th when they host ex-Dash Carli Lloyd and Sky Blue.The Washington Spirit will host Christen Press and the Utah Royals on Wednesday in the nation’s capital.
Photos by Jose Castellanos
Houston Dash
