The Houston Dash defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2-1 for their first win on the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup on Wednesday, May 3 at Shell Energy Stadium.
Midfielder Bárbara Olivieri scored her first NWSL goal in the fifth minute off a free kick. Defender Allysha Chapman earned the foul that led to the free kick taken by forward María Sánchez. The Mexican international crossed the ball into the box and found Olivieri on the back post.
Forward Diana Ordóñez converted from the spot for the second goal of the night in the 72nd minute of the match. Forward Michelle Alozie drew the foul in the box off Chicago defender Bianca St-Georges.
Two minutes into the match Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a key save to keep the score level and earned the first clean sheet of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.
The Dash applied pressure throughout the first half generating nine shots inside the box through the first half of play.
The last opportunity of the first half came in during the 45th minute when defender Caprice Dydasco delivered the ball into the box off of a corner kick. Chicago’s defense was able to clear the loose ball before the Dash were able to capitalize.
Ordóñez was able to get a shot on target in the 50th minute that forced Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to make a save. Ordóñez forced another save in the in the 59th minute after a free kick into the box.
Houston travels to Seattle to take on OL Reign on Saturday, May 6 at 9:00pm CT. This will mark the first time Dash Head Coach Sam Laity returns to Seattle since joining the Dash last December. Laity spent more than 20 years in Seattle and nearly 10 years as an assistant coach for OL Reign. The match will kick off at 9:00 pm CT and will stream on Paramount+.
