The Houston Dash beat Racing Louisville FC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium after being powered by goalkeeper Jane Campbell with seven saves, tying her career high across all competitions.
Houston took the lead in the 25th minute after forward Ebony Salmon found the back of the net for her first goal of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Forward Ryan Gareis found Salmon on the left side of the box. Salmon then laced the right-footed shot between the near post and Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund.
Dash goalkeeper Campbell made a save in the 17th minute after Louisville maintained possession after a corner kick. Saturday’s match marked the first time since October 10, 2021 that Campbell had saves in a match. This is the third time in her career that the shot stopper has reached that mark.
Houston nearly scored in the 23rd minute following a corner kick. Forward Ebony Salmon was on the receiving end of forward María Sánchez’s corner kick from the right side of the field. Salmon’s header hit off the crossbar as the rebound fell back to her feet. She then took a second shot which was cleared at the goal line by a Louisville defender.
Midfielder Marissa Viggiano nearly scored a minute later after her shot forced Lund to make the save over the cross bar. Salmon took the initial shot, which was blocked and deflected by a Louisville defender. The ball landed in Viggiano’s pathway, and the midfielder took the strike from atop the 18-yard box.
Austrian midfielder Sarah Puntigam made her Dash debut after coming into the game at the beginning of the second half. Puntigam joined the Dash earlier this week on a full transfer from German side FC Köln where she spent the 2022-23 season, making 21 appearances and starts along with two goals and assists for the club.
Houston will close out the group stage of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup on the road against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, August 5. Kickoff at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois is set for 7:00 pm. CT.
