HOUSTON (April 12, 2024) – The Houston Dash suffered 3-1 defeat against the Washington Spirit at Shell Energy Stadium earlier today. Before the match, the team commemorated the 10th anniversary of the inaugural Dash match with pregame recognitions, in-game activations and the return of club legends.
The Dash took the lead in the opening minute of the match after Natalie Jacobs capitalized on a loose ball inside the box. The Spirit attempted to clear a corner kick, ultimately guiding the ball into Jacob’s path for her first goal in the NWSL. This was the fastest goal scored by the Dash in team history.
The Spirit scored the equalizer after Ouleye Sarr forced a turnover inside the box in the 52nd minute. Sarr played the ball to Hal Hershfelt at the near post for her second goal of the season. The visitors would score twice in the final stretch of the game to secure three points. This was the first time the Spirit defeated the Dash since the 2021 season.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell was called into action in the 20th minute to deny Ashley Hatch at the near post. The goalkeeper finished with four saves against the Spirit.
Houston nearly doubled their lead in the 41st minute off a cross from María Sánchez into the heart of the box. Diana Ordóñez challenged for the ball, nearly forcing an own goal but the Spirit backline recovered to clear the danger. The duo and six of their teammates returned to Houston over the last two days from international duty.
Campbell denied Trinity Rodman at the near post in the 50th minute. The Dash goalkeeper was honored before the game for reaching 150 starts in the NWSL, the first goalkeeper to reach that mark with one team.
The Dash travels to Oregon next week to open a two-game road trip and close the month in Salt Lake City when they face the Utah Royals. The team returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, May 5 to host the Kansas City Current.
