The Houston Dash closed a two-game homestand with a 1-1 draw against NJ/NY Gotham FC at BBVA Stadium this evening.
Houston took the lead in the opening minutes of the second half. Dash forward Veronica Latsko forced a save at the near post in the 51st minute with a shot from the edge of the box. The ensuing free kick fell to midfielder Gabby Seiler near the penalty spot and she finished on the volley for her second goal of the season.
The visiting side responded within seconds after defender Caprice Dydasco dribbled into the box and found Ifeoma Onumonu. The Gotham forward’s effort skipped past McCall Zerboni inside the six-yard box and the Gotham captain was called offside.
Gotham scored the equalizer in the 89th minute after Ifeoma Onumonu beat the Dash goalkeeper with a low shot to the inside of the far post.
Gotham FC got behind the Dash backline in the sixth minute for the first dangerous opportunity of the game. Gotham forward Margaret Purce was in the heart of the box, but her header just missed the inside of the near post. Purce entered the game with the most goals scored for Gotham with four goals and had to exit the game in the 37th minute out of precaution after a non-contact injury.
Houston missed the final touch in the 22nd minute after Latsko sparked a counterattack near midfield. The University of Virginia product dribbled past Sabrina Flores and found Jasmyne Spencer unmarked inside the box, Spencer’s first-touch effort was off target at the far post.
Forward Megan Rosa earned her first start of the season for Houston today and she just missed the inside of the far post in the 24th minute.
Houston defender Jamia Fields made her second consecutive start at outside back today and she found Latsko inside the box in the 33rd minute, but her header was off target and went wide at the near post.
Dash goalkeeper Lindsey Harris came off her line in the 42nd minute to close down the space on Onumonu near the top of the box. The Dash shot stopper finished with three saves today.
Texas A&M alum Shea Groom just missed the inside of the near post with a header in the 64th minute. Second half substitute Bri Visalli found Groom just outside the six-yard box prior.
The Dash travel to the Pacific Northwest on Saturday, Aug. 7 to face OL Reign in Tacoma, Washington at 9 p.m. CT. This is the second meeting of the regular season and Houston will look to claim the season series after defeating OL Reign 2-0 on July 2 at BBVA Stadium. Houston returns to BBVA Stadium on Friday, Aug. 13 to host the Washington Spirit.
