The Houston Dash fell 2-0 to the Chicago Red Stars at Toyota Park this afternoon to cap off a three-game road trip. The Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium next Saturday.
Houston forward Sarah Hagen scored an own goal in the 44th minute to give Chicago the lead at the end of the first half. The forward attempted to clear Red Stars midfielder Danielle Colaprico’s cross but her header sent the ball into her own net.
Chicago doubled their lead in the 62nd minute after forward Christen Press’ chip found midfielder Julie Ertz outside the six yard box for her second goal of the season.
For Houston, midfielder Morgan Brian returned to action after recovering from a knee injury she suffered on international duty earlier this year.
Defender Cari Roccaro played a key role in containing Chicago’s offense for much of the first half with multiple key stops. The first came in the 20th minute when she blocked forward Vanessa Di Bernardo’s shot inside the box. Two minutes later, the defender denied forward Sofia Huerta an opportunity to shoot from the edge of the six yard box. Finally, in the 26th minute Roccaro tracked Press as she got on the end of a diagonal ball and blocked her attempt in a one-on-one dual inside the box.
Houston’s best opportunity came in the 32nd minute when forward Kealia Ohai dribbled along the top of the box to create space but Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was well positioned to handle her shot.
Houston returns to BBVA Compass Stadium at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 to host Sky Blue FC on the inaugural Dash Pups to the Pitch Day. Fans that purchase the special Pups to the Pitch package will be allowed to bring their best friend inside the stadium in a designated dog zone. Tickets for two-legged and four-legged fans as well as additional information may be found at HoustonDashSoccer.com/pups.
