The Houston Dash fell to the Kansas City Current 2-1 at Children’s Mercy Park this evening. With the loss, the Dash were eliminated from advancing to the knockout round of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Six players returned from national team duty for tonight’s match including forward Maria Sanchez, who sparked the lone goal for the Dash in the 52nd minute. The Mexican international found midfielder Shea Groom unmarked at the far post for her first goal of the year and to level the game at 1-1.
Kansas City scored the game-winning goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation after Victoria Pickett capitalized on a rebound outside the six-yard box. The Dash defense attempted to clear the ball, but the Kansas City forward found space behind the backline to tally her first goal of the tournament.
The Current struck first in the fourth minute after midfielder Izzy Rodriguez found Kristen Hamilton in the box. Hamilton found space near the far post to head the ball for her third goal of the tournament.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made the first of two saves this evening in the 11th minute after she handled Kirsten Edmonds’ shot from the top of the box.
Houston’s best chance of the first half came in the 28th minute, when forward Michelle Alozie forced a save from Franch. Earlier in the 19th minute, Sanchez took a shot from distance that narrowly missed the bottom of the crossbar.
The Dash had a chance to score the equalizer early in the second half after forward Ryan Gareis played a ball into the box for forward Rachel Daly. The Dash captain was initially denied, but the second ball fell to forward Michaela Abam, but her effort was ultimately cleared by the Kansas City backline.
Houston will close out the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup against Racing Louisville FC on April 24 at PNC Stadium. Fans interested in attending the game can buy tickets here.
