A free-kick stunner from midfielder Gabby Seiler lifted the Houston Dash 2-1over the North Carolina Courage this evening at Sahlen’s Stadium.
Seiler’s goal secured Houston’s first ever victory in North Carolina against the Courage. The free kick was awarded to the Dash after Courage midfielder, and former Dash international, Denise O’Sullivan conceded a foul outside the box.
Dash midfielder Shea Groom scored the opening goal of the game in the ninth minute after forward Veronica Latsko filtered a ball through two Courage defenders into the box. Groom placed the ball in the left corner of the Courage goal to give Houston the lead. Tonight’s game was the 100th NWSL regular-season appearance for Groom, and 23rd for the Dash.
North Carolina knocked on the door early after forward Jessica McDonald punched a header past Dash goalkeeper Lindsey Harris, but the former Dash forward was ruled offside.
The Courage responded with a goal seven minutes after Houston took the lead when forward Kristen Hamilton capitalized on a loose ball in the box that deflected off midfielder Emily Ogle, punching it in past Harris.
North Carolina continued to knock on the door, staying dangerous on Houston’s half of the field. Hamilton found the back of the net in the 35th minute from the right side of the box, but her effort was ruled offside.
The last chance for the Dash before halftime came in the 45th minute when Latsko beat Courage defender Kaleigh Kurtz to the ball and shot a ball from a tough angle, missing just wide of the goal post.
The Dash started the second half with energy, playing in and around the Courage penalty box in the opening minutes. Forward Jasmyne Spencer took a chance in the 52nd minute when she dribbled into the box and shot between two Courage defenders, forcing Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy’s second save of the game.
Houston is back at home next week when the Portland Thorns visit BBVA Stadium for the two sides’ first matchup of the regular season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT, and fans can follow the action on Paramount+ and Twitch internationally.
