The Houston Dash earned a vital point in their push for the 2022 NWSL Playoffs with a come-from behind 2-2 draw against the Washington Spirit tonight at PNC Stadium.
Forward Michelle Alozie scored the game-tying goal in the first minute of stoppage time when she hammered home a rebound from close range. Defender Caprice Dydasco, making her Dash debut after joining the team via trade last week, whipped in a cross to the near post where forward Valérie Gauvin, also making her debut for the team after joining this week, snapped a header on target. Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved the initial attempt but Alozie was first to react to the rebound and smashed it home for her second goal of the year.
Houston took the lead in the 22nd minute off a second chance attempt. Houston had a free kick which forward Maria Sanchez played into the box, which deflected off a Washington defender, and forced Kingsbury to make the save which bounced off the near post. The ball landed right at the feet of midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who tapped the ball in for her third goal of the season.
Washington’s Ashley Hatch scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute after forward Trinity Rodman found the net. Less than a minute later the Spirit took the lead when Hatch headed home her second of the night off a set piece.
Alozie nearly bagged the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage when she ran onto a long ball from goalkeeper Jane Campbell, but her first-touch volley slid just wide of the target.
Early in the match the Dash created several opportunities to take the early lead. Forward Maria Sanchez found forward Ebony Salmon at the near post but Washington’s defense was able to recover in time to clear the ball at the last moment.
In the ninth minute, Salmon and Sanchez teamed up for a fast break on the counterattack. Washington’s defense recovered and were able to slow Salmon down, although the effort nearly resulted in an own goal by the Spirit.
Salmon had an open look at the goal in the 51st minute after a weaving run toward the goal and the striker unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the penalty area, but Kingsbury was well positioned to make the save.
The Dash return to action following the FIFA September International Window. Houston hosts expansion side Angel City FC on Sunday, September 11 at PNC Stadium.
