The Houston Dash fell 3-1 to the Chicago Red Stars at PNC Stadium earlier this evening to open the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Houston took the lead in the 19th minute off a set piece from forward Rachel Daly. The set piece floated into the box toward the far post for an oncoming Katie Naughton to tap the ball in for the first goal of the year.
Chicago scored the equalizer in the 27th minute after Mallory Pugh forced a save near the penalty spot. The rebound fell to the forward for Chicago’s first goal of the game.
The Red Stars were awarded a penalty kick in the 57th minute after referee Joshua Encarnacion whistled for a foul inside the box. Arin Wright converted from the penalty spot to give Chicago the 2-1 lead. Chicago scored their third goal minutes later off a shot from Pugh that deflected off a Dash defender into the back of the net.
Daly had the first warning shot of the evening off a corner kick from forward María Sánchez. Daly’s header went wide of the far post in the eighth minute of the game.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell was called into action in the 52nd minute when she saved a shot from Ava Cook. She was called into action again four minutes later to deny Wright from close range. The Dash shot stopper finished with five saves against the Red Stars.
Daly nearly pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute with a shot from outside the six-yard box that was punched away by the Chicago goalkeeper.
The Dash travel to Kentucky next week for their first road trip of the tournament. Houston will face Racing Louisville FC at 6:30 p.m. CT and fans can watch the stream live on Paramount +. The Dash return to PNC Stadium on Wednesday, March 30 to host Sam Mewis and Kansas City Current at 7:30 p.m. CT. For tickets and additional information, visit HoustonDash.com.
