The Houston Dash look to build on Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC as the host Mallory Pugh, Rose Lavelle and the Washington Spirit Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium. FW Veronica Lastko scored her second game-winning goal of the season in the second minute of stoppage time on Wednesday off an assist from FW Thembi Kgatlana to give Houston its first victory over the Reign in the series, snapping a 10-game losing streak.
This was also the first victory for Houston and head coach Vera Pauw at BBVA Compass Stadium this season. MF Kristie Mewis scored the equalizer and her second goal of the year in the 68th minute last Wednesday with an acrobatic left-footed shot at the near post. With the victory, Houston remains in seventh place but moved to within three points of the third spot in the table.
The Dash welcome a Spirit team that also earned their second victory of the season last Wednesday as Washington defeated Carli Lloyd and Sky Blue FC 1-0 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland. The Dash won the season series last year with a victory in Maryland and a 2-1 victory at BBVA Compass Stadium last July. That was the first series victory against the Spirit for the Dash, who have a 3-7-1 record against Washington.
FW Francisca Ordega leads the Spirit with three goals this season followed by U.S. Women's National Team forward Mallory Pugh and Ashley Hatch, who scored the game-winning goal last Wednesday against Sky Blue. USWNT forward Rose Lavelle made her season debut last Wednesday after missing time due to a left hamstring strain.
Defensively, the Spirit are led by Aubrey Bledsoe, who has two shutouts and leads the league with 45 saves this season. Additionally, Washington features Taylor Smith and Estelle Johnson, who has tallied 45 defensive clearances this season.
