Houston Dash at home against the Utah Royals (photo by Jose Castellanos).
The Houston Dash were not able to take advantage of playing at home last Sunday, losing to the Utah Royals 2-1 in what was an important game for both teams who have playoffs hopes this season.
The match marked the first time USWNT forward Christen Press played in Houston since she was traded to the Dash at the beginning of the season. Press rejected the trade and decided to play overseas
instead. After the European season finished, she returned to the NWSL, and via a 3-team trade, was sent from Houston to Utah. In return, the Dash gained Sofia Huerta and Taylor Comeau from Chicago.
The match was very intense from the start. The home team was pressuring the visitors and that led the
team to create opportunities to open the scoring. The first goal for Houston came in at the end of the first half when Veronica Latsko took advantage of an opportunity inside the box to beat Royal’s goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart to get the lead for the Dash.
Rachael Daly and Kyah Simon, who came in at the second half, were key players for the Houston offense. Sofia Huerta, in particular, has become the most important midfielder for the Dash, being the leader that the Texan team has needed since the beginning of the season.
On the other side, the Utah Royals created many chances via Amy Rodriguez and Press who combined
well in the offensive side. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell from the Dash had another good match and
saved her team in several occasions.
And even though Campbell saves were crucial, Christen Press took advantage of a big Houston defensive
mistake and scored the tie at the 77’. Six minutes later, Katie Stengel, who came in from the bench,
scored the final 2-1.
Now Houston will visit Sky Blue whereas the Royals will host the Seattle Reign.
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- Houston Dash at home against the Utah Royals (photo by Jose Castellanos).
Houston Dash
