HOUSTON (May 8, 2024) – The Houston Dash lost to the reigning NWSL champions 1-0 earlier tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. This was the first time Houston was held scoreless at the venue since the home opener in March.
Gotham took the lead in the eighth minute following a save from Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. The Dash goalkeeper denied Ella Stevens’ initial effort from the six-yard box, but the ball fell to Lynn Williams for the lone goal of the game.
Defensively, Paige Nielsen led the team with 13 clearances against Gotham and tallied three interceptions. Midfielder Sophie Schmidt and Michelle Alozie each finished with six recoveries against Gotham earlier today.
Dash forward Diana Ordóñez had Houston’s first shot on target of the match. The play began in the third minute when Dash midfielder Andressa forced a turnover at midfield. The Brazilian playmaker then found Ordóñez in stride as she sprinted down the left flank, but her shot was handled by the Gotham goalkeeper.
Campbell was called into action again in the 39th minute following a Gotham corner kick, but the Dash shot stopper was well positioned to handle Williams’ header. Campbell finished with four saves against Gotham this evening, bringing her season total to a league-leading 44 saves.
In the 41st minute, Katy native Barbara Olivieri and rookie midfielder Sophie Hirst combined for a first-touch combination inside Gotham’s half of the field to create space for forward Ramona Bachmann. The Swiss international found space behind the Gotham backline but the Gotham goalkeeper beat her to the ball to quell the danger.
Schmidt nearly scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute after the ball deflected off Gotham’s Delanie Sheehan toward goal. Schmidt was able to get on the end ball and take an open shot on goal, forcing Beger to make the save. The rebound fell to Schmidt for a second opportunity that was ultimately cleared by Gotham.
Houston’s final opportunity of the game came in transition during the final minutes of the second half. Alozie played a throw-in to Ordóñez in-stride, but her cross towards the near post was handled by Berger.
The Dash will close the week in California as they take on Angel City FC at BMO Stadium on Sunday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, May 17 to host Portland Thorns at 7 p.m. for Pups at the Pitch night, presented by College Ave, tickets for that match are available here.
