The Houston Dash fell on the road to 1-0 to the North Carolina Courage after a lengthy delay before the game due to inclement weather in the area.
Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a key save nine minutes into the match to keep the score level after North Carolina’s Brittany Ratcliffe found space on the near side. Campbell made the toe tip stop for the first of three saves on the night.
In the 13th minute, the Dash press forced a turnover in the North Carolina penalty area after goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland was unable to get the ball out in time for a goal kick. The Dash attack was able to piece together a play with forward Michelle Alozie taking the shot that was directly into the arms of Rowland.
Thirteen minutes later in the 26th minute, North Carolina turned the ball over at the top of the 18-yard box after Dash forward Diana Ordóñez applied pressure on Rowland. Alozie settled the ball but was unable to set up a shot before the Courage defense recovered.
In the 44th minute of the match, forwards María Sánchez and Ordóñez nearly combined for a goal after Sánchez crossed the ball into the North Carolina box for Ordóñez, who was making a run in the center of the goal.
Houston had another opportunity to break the 0-0 tie in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time after a breakaway. Alozie, who will join the Nigerian Women’s National Team after tonight’s match, had another opportunity in front of goal. The shot was blocked and went out for a Houston corner kick.
North Carolina took the lead in the 60th minute after forward Tyler Lussi was able to find the back of the net.
Midfielder Bárbara Olivieri successfully dispossessed a North Carolina defender in the 67th minute that led to one of the best opportunities of the second half and found forward Ryan Gareis. Gareis, who came into the game as a second half substitute, then found Ordóñez who was open in the box. Right before Ordóñez was able to take the shot the Courage defense was able to clear it out for a corner kick.
In the first minute of second half stoppage time, defender Caprice Dydasco took a shot from about 20 yards out which sailed out over the cross bar.
Before the match could kick off, the game was delayed by an hour due to inclement weather in the Cary, North Carolina area. Houston’s last meeting against the Courage was also delayed due to inclement weather in the greater-Houston area.
The Dash return home to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, July 7 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night against the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00pm CT. Fans can purchase tickets here.
