Houston Dash earned a clean sheet in the season opener against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday evening at Shell Energy Stadium.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made five saves enroute to her 23rd career clean sheet and earned player of the match honors for her efforts in goal.
Forward Ebony Salmon had an open look in the 58th minute of the match to give Houston its first look of the second half. Cameron Tucker nearly scored her first professional goal in the 69th minute after coming on as a second-half substitute. The second-year player was streaking down the right side and took a crossing shot toward goal but narrowly sailed to the far side.
In the 70th minute, forward María Sánchez and forward Diana Ordóñez nearly connected for the first goal of the season. Sanchez crossed the ball toward the center of the box where Ordóñez was left unmarked and attempted a header right into the hands of the Louisville goalkeeper.
Houston’s best chance of the night came in the first minute of second half stoppage time when Racing
Louisville FC’s goalkeeper was caught off her line, forward Ebony Salmon’s shot was blocked by a defender and Houston’s second attempt was stifled by the goalkeeper who was able to recover and corral the ball.
Houston had two chances midway through the first half when forward Ryan Gareis had a look at goal on the near side of the box but her shout was handled by Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund.
Forward Diana Ordóñez and defender Courtney Petersen made their first start and were amongst four players to debut for the Dash this match. Ordóñez, a Texas native, was acquired via trade with North Carolina on draft night. Houston traded for Petersen before for the start of preseason. Forward Cameron Tucker and Havana Solaun also made their debuts for the Dash after coming into the match as substitutes during the second half.
The Houston Dash open a three-game road trip next Saturday when they visit the Chicago Red Stars in Bridgeview, Illinois. The match will air live on AT&T SportsNet Southwest and stream nationally on Paramount +. For additional information visit HoustonDash.com
