HOUSTON (March 23, 2024) – The Houston Dash and Racing Louisville FC played to a 0-0 draw in front of 8,600 fans for a record-breaking crowd for the 2024 NWSL home opener on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium. The club record was previously set in the inaugural match on April 12, 2014 with 8,097 fans.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a career high 10 saves in the game to help secure Houston’s first shutout of the season. The reigning goalkeeper of the year flexed her talents in the first half, making eight saves – also a career high. Campbell made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to make 150 starts across all competitions with a single team.
DefendSarah Puntigam made a crucial goal line save during the second minute of stoppage time to preserve the point. Campbell’s initial stop was bouncing freely toward the net and Puntigam rushed in to make the save a back heel save to keep it from crossing the goal line.
Saturday was filled with several firsts for the Dash including three debuts. Forward Yuki Nagasato, who joined the Dash as a free agent during the offseason made her first appearance for Houston after earning the start, playing 62 minutes. Rookie forward Amanda West made her professional after coming on as a substitute to start the second half. Swedish International Elin Rubensson made her NWSL and Dash debut in the 62nd minute.
Houston’s attack threatened early in the opening minutes of the match forcing the Louisville defense to make several clearances.
Louisville appeared to have scored in the fourth minute of the game after rookie forward Reilyn Turner was able to toe tap the ball into the goal. The goal was disallowed by referee Brandon Stevis after the flag was raised for an offside position by Turner.
The Dash threatened again in the 16th minute of the game after rookie forward Avery Patterson drew a foul on the left flank. Mexican international Maria Sanchez’s free kick from near midfield made it into the box but was handled by Racing goalkeeper Katie Lund.
Campbell made a goal line save in the 25th minute of the match after Turner was on receiving end of a ball into a box. Campbell made another spectacular save in the xx minute after a ball ricocheted off the keeper's face and out of danger.
Houston had an attempt in the 59th minute after forward Diana Ordonez was able to get into the Racing Louisville FC box. Ordonez appeared to be fouled when taking the shot and was down for a short period after a halt in play. The Mexican international recovered and finished the match with a team best, three shots on target.
West had an opening to score in the 89th minute of the match after the ball was bouncing around in the box and was cleared to the rookie. West’s shot inside the left side of the box was blocked by a Louisville defender and ended Houston's best threat of second half regulation.
The Dash will hit the road for the second time this month and head west to San Jose, Calif. To face expansion side Bay FC on Saturday, March 30. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. CT
