The Houston Dash scored the latest goal of the season this evening to secure a point in their return to league play at Shell Energy Stadium against the Washington Spirit.
The Dash scored the equalizer in the final moments of regulation following a cross from forward Ebony Salmon that found María Sánchez at the near post. This was Sánchez’s fourth goal of the season and Salmon’s second assist of the campaign. The Dash now sit with 19 points and a 4-5-7 (WLD) record in league play.
The team finished with eight shots on target today and forced eight saves from Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
Washington took the lead in the 63rd minute after forward Ashley Sanchez was able to get the ball passed the exposed fingertips of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell.
Houston had one of their best opportunities of the game in the 28th minute of the match when Salmon took a shot from distance. The Englishwomen’s shot was sent just over the crossbar. The 22-year-old led the team with four shots on target.
Salmon took another strike in the 34th minute of the match from the top of the 18-yard box. The shot curved right into the waiting arms of Kingsbury.
Midfielder Joelle Anderson had the best attempt of the first half during the second minute of stoppage time after the Southern California native took a shot from 30-yards out. Anderson nearly caught Kingsbury off guard and forced the Spirit shot stopper to punch the ball out over the net.
Dash forward Nichelle Prince made her regular season debut in the 58th minute, her first appearance for the team since suffering a torn Achillies tendon at the end of the 2022 competition calendar. Prince nearly scored minutes into her debut after Sánchez found her on the near post.
Sánchez nearly equalized in the 70th minute of the match after Prince found her at the top of the box. The Mexican international’s shot was stopped by Kingsbury.
The Dash will be back at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, August 26 to host the Kansas City Current for the penultimate home game of the regular season. Houston will celebrate Inspiring Women’s Night where players and staff will honor women who have impacted their lives.
