The Houston Dash fell 1-0 at home to the Chicago Red Stars on Friday evening following a second half goal.
Houston had an early chance in the third minute after Dash forward Ebony Salmon applied pressure on the right side of the field. Salmon played the ball into the box and found forward Ryan Gareis whose shot was blocked by a Chicago defender. The Red Stars’ backline was able to recover and clear the ball out of the danger zone.
Midfielder Marisa Viggiano had a shot in the eighth minute that was directly into the hands of Chicago goalkeeper Emily Boyd. Viggiano had another strike in the same minute that missed the inside of the near post.
Defender Ally Prisock nearly scored her second career regular season goal in the 14th minute after defender Caprice Dydasco found Prisock on the far post. Prisock’s shot was deflected on the goal line by forward Ella Stevens.
Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a key save in the 19th minute after the Chicago attack snuck the ball past the Houston back line. Campbell made the save about seven yards away from her line.
Houston nearly scored in transition in the 38th minute after Gareis was able to make a run down the near sideline. Gareis’ service into the box was just ahead of forward Diana Ordóñez who was following closely behind.
During the fifth minute of first half stoppage time, Chicago’s Bianca St. Georges was able to apply pressure on to the Dash backline. Campbell made the initial save and Dydasco cleared the ball away from danger after the ball was rolling toward the goal.
The Dash opened the second half with back-to-back shots. Forward María Sánchez nearly found Ordóñez in the center of the penalty area. Boyd was able to smother the ball intended for Ordóñez before the Mexican international was able to get on the ball.
Salmon nearly scored in the 56th minute after taking a shot directly on goal. Boyd’s save fell out of her hands and Ordóñez, who was about two yards away, nearly got on the ball but was handled by the Chicago goalkeeper before the Dash could capitalize.
The Red Stars took the lead in the 69th minute of the match after forward Penelope Hocking scored following a misdirected ball.
Salmon had an opportunity to equalize in the 76th minute after Boyd punched the ball away from danger following a corner kick. Salmon’s shot sailed just over the crossbar.
In the third minute of second half stoppage time Salmon and Dydasco nearly linked up for the equalizer after Salmon made a perfectly timed run on the nearside. Salmon’s shot was blocked by a Chicago defender.
Houston will travel to Kansas City on July 22 to take on the Current for the second game in 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group play at 7:00 p.m. CT. The Dash return home to Shell Energy Stadium on July 29 at 7:30pm CT to host Racing Louisville FC for the final home match of 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group play.
