The Houston Dash wrapped up the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 2-1 win over Racing Louisville FC this evening at PNC Stadium.
Defender Ally Prisock chose a good time to score her first professional goal, finding the back of the net in the 35th minute for the game-winning goal. Forward Nichelle Prince won a corner kick after dueling with an Louisville defender along the right flank and forward Maria Sánchez placed her corner kick just inside the six-yard box to set up Prisock to convert from close range.
Houston struck first in the 24th minute off the right foot of Prince. As the Louisville backline was trying push the ball forward, Prince stole the ball back from the defender and raced in on the Louisville goal before burying a low shot in the opposite corner of the net to give Houston the early lead.
Five minutes later, Louisville tied the game off of a set piece. Dash goalkeeper Lindsey Harris came off her line to punch the ball away but it took an unfortunate deflection and fell to Racing midfielder Jaelin Howell who converted the goal.
Houston rookie midfielder Joelle Anderson made her professional debut in the second half when she was subbed on for Shea Groom in the 56th minute. Five minutes into her debut, Anderson had a chance to score her first goal off of across from Sanchez, but a Louisville defender stepped in at the last moment to head the cross out for a corner kick.
Late in the second half Louisville’s Parker Goins took a shot in the box from 10 yards out and Harris made a crucial save to preserve the Dash lead. Harris was credited with two saves in her first start this year.
Houston will open the NWSL regular season powered by Shell Energy next Sunday, May 1 against expansion side San Diego Wave FC at PNC Stadium. Tickets for that match start at just $12 and are available at HoustonDash.com.
