HOUSTON (May 5, 2024) – The Houston Dash opened a two-game stretch at Shell Energy Stadium with a 1-1 draw against the Kansas City Current. The match was delayed by four hours and 10 minutes due to inclement weather near the stadium.
Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, the reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, finished with a career-high 12 saves in the draw – tying the league record for most saves in a single regular season match. Campbell became the fourth goalkeeper in NWSL history to make 12 saves in a single game and the first since Anna Moorhouse did so for Orlando against Portland in 2023.
The Dash scored the equalizer in the 71st minute after Babara Olivieri forced a turnover from Kansas City goalkeeper Adrianna Franch. Forward Amanda West capitalized on the loose ball to score her first NWSL goal. The forward was selected with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft from the University of Pittsburgh.
Kansas City took the lead in the 24th minute following a cross from Vanessa DiBernardo that found Temwa Chawinga at the far post. The forward was responsible for five of Kansas City’s shots on goal today and she generated four big chances in the match.
Campbell made her first save of the afternoon in the sixth minute after she handled Claire Hutton’s shot at the near post. Campbell was called into action again minutes later to deny Hallie Mace’s effort from outside the box.
The Kennesaw, Georgia native made a crucial goal line save in the 16th minute to keep the game scoreless. A Kansas City corner kick landed inside the penalty area and bounced toward the goal line. Campbell dove to the ball with inches to spare prior to crossing the goal line.
Houston responded in the 28th minute after Avery Patterson dribbled toward the top of the box to create space for West. The rookie forward played the ball wide to Diana Ordóñez and her cross found Yuki Nagasato at the far post, but her header was off target.
Campbell was called into action again in the 34th minute to deny Mace at the near post for her sixth save of the first half. The Dash goalkeeper tallied five saves in the first 20 minutes of the match. The Dash backline limited Kansas City to two shots after the team conceded the goal to the Current.
Defender Natalie Jacobs found West near midfield in the final minutes of the first half and her individual effort forced Franch to come off her line to quell the danger. West won a duel with Elizabeth Ball at midfield then dribbled past Gabrielle Robinson into the box, Franch challenged for the ball just before West took a shot.
Campbell made her first save of the second half in the 47th minute when she denied Chawinga at the near post. This was the first time the Dash goalkeeper was called to make nine or more saves since the home opener against Racing Louisville on March 23.
The Dash midfield created space for Patterson to force a save in the 60th minute. The rookie defender won possession 10 times and finished with three clearances against Kansas City.
Dash defender Paige Nielsen, who made her home debut on Sunday, continues to flex her defensive prowess in just her second match with the team. The Lincoln, Nebraska native had 10 clearances in today’s match.
Houston returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, May 8 to host the reigning NWSL Champion NJ/NY Gotham FC at 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets HERE.
