The Houston Dash concluded their preseason with a scoreless draw against Portland Thorns FC at Merlo Field this evening.
Houston held Portland to one shot in the first half thanks to a five-player defensive line anchored by Amber Brooks, Kristie Mewisand Janine Van Wyk. Mewis was tasked with marking IfeomaOnumonu in the first half and quelled one of Portland's best opportunities in the half as the defender blocked the Thorns forward off the ball in the 13th minute.
Houston's best opportunity of the first half began with Savannah Jordan who found Veronica Latsko near the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, but her shot was off target.
Portland forced two saves in a five-minute stretch beginning in the 48th minute after Lindsay Horan dribbled toward the top of the box and tested Jane Campbell at the far post. Four minutes later Horan again attempted to beat the Dash goalkeeper from distance, but Campbell was well positioned to handle the shot.
Houston's best opportunity of the second half came minutes after ThembiKagatlana entered the game in the 71st minute as she dribbled into the box and forced a save from the Thorns goalkeeper with a shot toward the far post.
Houston hosts Julie Ertz, Same Kerr and the Chicago Red Stars at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 25 to open the 2018 NWSL regular season at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets for the match begin at $19 and are available at HoustonDashSoccer.com/Tickets.
