Rachel Daly scored the equalizer for the Houston Dash in her 100th career regular season appearance for the team earlier today at PNC Stadium. The Dash and North Carolina played to a 1-1 draw and Houston is now unbeaten in their last four games with a 2-0-2 record since May 8.
Daly is the second Dash player to reach the 100-game milestone with the club and the 12th player in the league to reach that mark with one team. The 30-year-old was drafted by the team in 2016 and has scored 41 goals across all competitions since making her debut in a 3-1 victory at home over the Chicago Red Stars on April 16, 2016.
Daly scored the equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time of the first half. Dash forward Nichelle Prince found Daly in space outside the box, the Dash captain dribbled around Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy and found the inside of the far post for her third goal of the season.
North Carolina struck first in the 24th minute after rookie forward Diana Ordonez was able to break through the Houston backline to score her first goal of the year.
Houston had early chances in the opening minutes of the match and finished with three times as many shots as North Carolina with 15. Prince was able to dispossess a North Carolina defender a few yards above the 18-yard box in the 16th minute, but her effort went over the crossbar.
Prince had open look in the 28th minute but Murphy made a lunging save with her left foot just as the offside flag was raised.
In the 43rd minute Daly had a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that forced Murphy to make the save over the top of the crossbar for a corner kick. The Dash finished with three shots on target and 1.45 expected goals, compared to North Carolina who finished with 0.35 expected goals.
Midway through the first half the Dash had a chance off a corner kick from Maria Sanchez, who was able to get into the box. Houston’s first attempt was cleared but Sanchez recovered the ball and took a shot which was deflected toward the goal. The North Carolina shot stopper was well positioned to handle the ball.
Sanchez forced a save in the 60th minute after the team won possession in midfield. Sanchez was able to get an open look on the left side, but Murphy was able to make the save at the far post. The Mexican international led the team with 11 recoveries today and three interceptions.
Houston will host the Orlando Pride at PNC Stadium on Friday, June 3 and host a pregame ceremony to mark Daly’s 100 NWSL regular season appearances for the team.
