The Houston Dash opened the Thorns Spring Invitational with a 2-1 victory over the U-23 U.S. Women’s National Team this afternoon at the University of Portland.
Veronica Latsko scored the first goal of the game in the 17th minute after her header beat U-23 USWNT keeper Bella Geist at the near post. The play began with Rachel Daly along the right flank after she whipped in a cross into the heart of the box.
Amber Brooks scored her first goal of the preseason in the 55th minute after her she muscled past three defenders to head a ball into the bottom corner of the back post. The cross came from a free kick from Kristie Mewis after Houston won a foul 10 yards outside the box.
Catarina Macario prevented the shutout in the 73rd minute for the U-23 USWNT after her free kick went over the wall into the top corner of the far post.
Seven players who reported from international duty saw minutes on the field, including South African forward Linda Motlhalo who made her debut with the club as a second half substitute.
Daly sparked Houston’s first scoring opportunity of the game in the third minute after her cross found Kimberly Keever in the box, but her header was handled by Geist.
Latsko almost doubled Houston’s lead seconds before halftime as she won the ball near midfield, squeezed past two defenders, but her shot was handled by Geist at the edge of the box.
Houston returns to action at 3:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday to face the Chicago Red Stars at Merlo Field.
