The Houston Dash earned their first victory of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Kansas City Current at Children’s Mercy Park earlier today.
The victory is the first for acting head coach Sarah Lowdon, who was named to the role on Friday, April 29. The victory was also the first clean sheet for Houston since a 4-0 triumph over Racing Louisville FC on Sept. 26, 2021.
The Dash took the lead in the 40th minute after forward Michaela Abam suffered a foul inside the box by Kansas City’s Elizabeth Ball. Dash captain Rachel Daly converted the ensuing penalty kick to give the Dash a 1-0 lead late in the first half. Daly is the only NWSL player to have taken a minimum of three penalty kicks across all competitions, both in regulation or shootout, to have a 100 percent conversion rate.
Houston doubled their lead in the sixth minute of stoppage time after Bri Visalli sprinted past Taylor Leach to a clearance from Daly near midfield. Visalli dribbled around the Current shot stopper inside the box for the second goal of the match.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell was first called into action in the the 10th minute on a set piece from Kansas City. The Dash shot stopper punched the ball away for the first of her five saves against Kansas City. The Dash backline held firm in the final 45 minutes as they defended 11 shots in the second half with five on goal.
Dash forward Shea Groom found Maria Sanchez inside the box in the 69th minute for one of Houston’s most dangerous opportunities of the second half. Sanchez’s effort was blocked by Kristen Edmonds and the ball just missed the inside of the near post.
Houston was under heavy pressure in the final 15 minutes as Kansas City looked for the equalizer. Hailie Mace forced a save from Campbell at the far post in the 77th minute only moments after Dash defender Elizabeth Eddy blocked a shot from Lo'eau LaBonta at the edge of the box with her torso.
Houston forced a clearance in the 87th minute after Groom nearly intercepted a pass intended for Kansas City goalkeeper AD Franch.
Houston returns to action on Saturday, May 14 in Kentucky against Racing Louisville at 7 p.m. CT. The Dash return to PNC Stadium on May 29 to host the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup champions, the North Carolina Courage at 6 p.m. CT. For tickets and additional information visit HoustonDash.com.
