The Houston Dash continued the push to the playoffs on Saturday night when they hosted the Washington Spirit before the league's international break. The game marked new defender Caprice Dydasco's first start for the club. Dydasco was traded to Houston from Gotham FC the previous week, earning her first appearance for the Dash off the bench in last week's road match against San Diego.
Houston took the lead in the 22nd minute off of a second chance attempt. Houston had a free kick which forward Maria Sánchezplayed into the box, which deflected off a Washington defender, and forced Kingsbury to make the save which bounced off the near post. The ball landed right at the feet of midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who tapped the ball in for her third goal of the season.
The home side was able to keep the lead through the rest of the first half, but Washington was quick to respond in the 53rd minute. Forward Ashley Hatch scored the equalizer to put the road team back in the game. Less than a minute later the Spirit took the lead when Hatch headed home her second of the night off a set piece, and the Dash were suddenly trailing at home.
In the 80th minute, interim head coach Juan Carlos Amóros made his final two substitutions of the night. Forwards Michelle Alozie and Valérie Gauvin entered the match. Gauvin was traded from the North Carolina Courage earlier in the week, marking Saturday night as her Houston Dash debut.
Alozie scored the game-tying goal in the first minute of stoppage time when she hammered home a rebound from close range. Dydasco whipped in a cross to the near post where Gauvin snapped a header on target. Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved the initial attempt but Alozie was first to react to the rebound and smashed it home for her second goal of the year, salvaging a point for the Dash.
With the win, the Houston Dash are currently second in NWSL standings. The Dash return to action following the FIFA September International Window. Houston hosts expansion side Angel City FC on Sunday, September 11 at PNC Stadium. Tickets are available here.
