The Houston Dash were held scoreless for the second consecutive week as they fell 2-0 to the Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex this evening.
Washington jumped to an early lead in the third minute when midfielder Havana Solaun’s pass found forward Cheyna Williams on the right edge of the box. The forward dribbled into the box and her shot beat Dash goalkeeper Lydia Williams at the far post for her first goal of the season.
Spirit forward Mallory Pugh doubled Washington’s lead in the 70th minute. Midfielder Kristie Mewis found the forward outside the six yard box and she beat Williams with a low shot towards the far post.
Despite Houston’s offensive woes the Dash forced eight saves from Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe. Houston finished the game with 18 shots and one of their most dangerous opportunities came after Dash midfielder Andressinha switched the ball in the 20th minute. The Brazilian international found forward Nichelle Prince outside the box behind the Spirit defense. The forward dribbled into the box but her shot towards the far post was off target.
Houston forward Janine Beckie forced a diving save from Labbe in the 35th minute after Whitney Church’s clearance fell to the Texas Tech product at the top of the box. Beckie’s strike to the top corner of the near post was handled by her teammate on the Canadian Women’s National Team.
Houston’s final opportunity of the first half came in the 42nd minute when forward Kealia Ohai went one-on-one with Labbe but the goalkeeper was able to deflect her shot for a corner kick.
Minutes into the second half Prince won a ball at the end line. The forward found Beckie at the top of the box but her shot was off target.
Dash midfielder Morgan Brian forced a save from Labbe in the 69th minute with a shot from the edge of the box. The midfielder played a full game for the first time since March and will remain in Houston during the FIFA window.
The Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium on June 17 as Marta and the Orlando Pride visit Texas for their only trip of the year.
