Houston Dash lost to OL Reign by a final score of 1-0 tonight at BBVA Stadium.
After splitting the first two matchups of the season, the Dash fell in this third and final match, losing the season series with OL Reign 2-1.
OL Reign had the first opportunity on goal, which came after MF Sophie Schmidt gave the ball up inside the Houston Dash’s defensive third. OL Reign’s MF Jane Fishlock received the ball just outside the 18-yard-box, but had her shot on goal denied by a diving GK Jane Campbell, before Fishlock’s teammate FW Bethany Balcer knocked the ball into the net in the seventh minute.
The Dash’s first chance to score came in the 15th when FW Nichelle Prince connected with FW Rachel Daly streaking down the middle of the pitch. Daly secured the ball and had an open shot on goal, but was denied by the right foot of Reign GK Sarah Bouhaddi.
Houston's next best chance to score came off of a FW Kristie Mewis corner kick in the 31st minute. Mewis smashed the ball straight into the box amongst a crowd of bodies, however it was OL Reign’s Bouhaddi who snatched the ball out of the air before it could connect with a Dash player.
Just before the half, Mewis generated one more chance for the Dash to score, as she took a shot on goal from just outside the 18-yard-box, but the shot was blocked without reaching the back of the net.
The game marked the first appearance for USWNT DF Abby Dahlkemper as a member of the Dash. Dahlkemper finished with four clearances and four recoveries in her first match with Houston.
Houston’s best scoring chance of the second half came right at the start of the half. Coming out of the locker room, two substitutes gave the Dash a boost of energy, as MF Shea Groom found FW Jasmyne Spencer racing up the left side. Spencer controlled the ball inside the box, faked a shot to move the defender out of the way before rifling a shot into the keeper’s arms.
Houston’s next match will come this Sunday at 3 p.m. CT on the road when they take on the Orlando Pride. The match will be aired live nationally on CBS.
