HOUSTON (July 28, 2024) – The Houston Dash opened a two-game homestand with three points following their 2-1 triumph over Tigres UANL from LIGA MX Femenil.
Forward Barbara Olivieri secured Houston’s first three points of the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup in the 82nd minute. Midfielder Andressa controlled a long pass from rookie goalkeeper Heather Hinz near midfield, the Brazilian playmaker played the ball into space for the Katy native and Olivieri chipped the ball past the goalkeeper at the far post to secure the victory. This was Olivieri’s second goal of the season and the first since she scored in Houston’s 3-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage in May.
Houston took the lead in the second minute after Sarah Puntigam found Yuki Nagasato near the endline. Nagasato played the ball toward the heart of the box and found Diana Ordóñez near the penalty spot. The Mexican international beat the Tigres goalkeeper at the near post for her first goal of the tournament and fifth goal of the year.
Tigres scored the equalizer in the final moments of the first half after defender Natalie Jacobs cleared a shot inside the box. The ball fell to Alison Gonzalez and her shot bounced off a defender toward the far post.
Houston nearly doubled their lead in the 16th minute after Avery Patterson found space behind the Tigres backline. Patterson’s cross into the box found Ordóñez, but her header was off target.
Hinz made her professional debut tonight and tallied her first save of the game in the 19th minute when she handled Lizbeth Ovalle’s header inside the box. The Dash goalkeeper finished with six saves against Tigres.
Hinz was called into action again in the 35th minute to deny Thembi Kgatlana at the near post. The University of South Carolina product cleared the danger moments later following a cross toward the far post.
Andressa entered the match at halftime and nearly scored the go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute with a shot that hit the crossbar.
The Dash returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 1 to host Pachuca CF in the final group game of the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. Tickets for the match are available HERE.
