The Houston Dash enter the international break with back-to-back victories after their 1-0 triumph on the road against Kansas City NWSL this afternoon.
Dash midfielder Kristie Mewis found defender Katie Naughton off a corner kick in the 79th minute for the only goal of the game. Naughton’s header beat Kansas City goalkeeper Abby Smith for her first goal with the Dash. The defender last scored in 2018 as a member of the Chicago Red Stars.
Houston’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 23rd minute off a cross from defender Ally Prisock. The defender’s cross was recycled inside the box prior to a first-touch pass from Mewis intended for Shea Groom. The ball was collected by Smith outside the six-yard box just before Groom could get a final touch.
Kansas City was denied the opening goal of the game two minutes later after forward Mariana Larroquette was called offside. Kansas City was awarded a free kick near midfield and an unmarked Larroquette had an open header outside the six-yard box that found the back of the net.
Forward Bri Visalli forced a close call in the 48th minute after her cross was fumbled outside the box by Smith, Veronica Latsko was there to pressure the ball, but her effort went just wide of the near post.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell preserved her first clean sheet of the season with a key save in the 88th minute. Darian Jenkins got behind the backline with room to shoot from inside the box, but Campbell was well positioned to make the save at the top corner of the near post. The Dash goalkeeper finished with three saves today.
Campbell and Mewis will join the U.S. Women’s National Team upon their return to Houston for a pair of friendlies at BBVA Stadium as part of the USWNT Summer Series. The four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champions will face Portugal on June 10 and Jamaica on June 13. For tickets and additional information, visit USSoccer.com.
The Dash return to league play on Sunday, June 20 when they make their inaugural visit to Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky to face Racing Louisville FC. Houston return to BBVA Stadium on Saturday, June 26 to face the Orlando Pride. For tickets and additional information, visit HoustonDash.com.
