The Houston Dash welcomed their largest crowd of the season as more than 9,000 fans visited Shell Energy Stadium today for the regular season finale. A late goal from the visitors gave Angel City FC a 2-1 victory over Houston in the penultimate game of the year. Houston will need three points and a combination of results on Decision Day to secure a postseason berth for the second consecutive year.
Houston took the lead in the 44th minute after Brazilian forward Andressa scored her first NWSL goal. Forward Nichelle Prince crossed the ball toward the top of the box for the Brazilian playmaker as she made the run toward the heart of the box. Andressa then took the left-footed strike toward the far post and past the fingertips of the Angel City FC goalkeeper.
Angel City FC tied the game in the 68th minute after forward Alyssa Thompson was able to get past the backline to score the equalizer. Savannah McCaskill tallied the game-winning goal in second half stoppage time following a cross from Katie Johnson.
Houston’s first opportunity came in the 10th minute after defender Caprice Dydasco took a shot from 25 yards that forced Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson to bobble the ball. Standing directly in front of goal was Andressa who took the shot as she lost her balance, resulting in her effort being off target.
The Dash had another opportunity to get on the board in the 25th minute after Dydasco found Prince at the near post. The ball was played to Andressa, but her backheel effort was off target.
Andressa nearly scored in the 36th minute after forward María Sánchez delivered a corner into the box for the midfielder, who forced a save from Anderson.
Angel City nearly equalized in the final moments of first half stoppage time following a corner kick that found Savannah McCaskill inside the box. Campbell was well positioned to handle the header and prevent the equalizer. The Dash faced constant pressure and Campbell responded with eight saves tonight.
Prince had an early opportunity in the second half to extend Houston’s lead. The shot was ultimately handled by the Angel City’s keeper, Houston forced nine saves from Anderson.
Forward Michelle Alozie had another opportunity in the 80th minute to give Houston the lead after Sánchez was able to thread a ball into the path of the Nigerian international. Alozie’s first touch had too much pace and the ball ultimately rolled right into the arms of Anderson.
Midfielder Joelle Anderson forced a save in the 87th minute after she recovered a ball at the top of the box, but the Angel City goalkeeper was well positioned to handle the ball.
The Dash will travel to Florida next weekend for Decision Day. They will face the Orlando Pride at 4 p.m. CT in the final regular season match of the year. For updates and additional information, visit HoustonDash.com.
