On Saturday night, the Houston Dash saw their biggest home crowd of the season. Nearly 8,000 people attended the PNC Stadium to support the Houston Dash in their quest to qualify for the NWSL playoffs.
A franchise that was founded in 2014 put its history on the line.
Houston’s home final victory would have guaranteed postseason play. The Dash didn’t get what they wanted and their five-game streak of home victories was over. OL Reign won 2-0 against the Dash and clinched a playoff spot for Seattle.
“Disappointed that we didn’t take three points and secure a playoff spot. Sophie Schmidt, a midfielder, said that it was especially difficult to win at home in front our fans. They were amazing supporting us throughout the game. Seattle is a great side, and we were just a little sloppy in a few moments.”
Houston had an expectation goal of 1.35, but could not convert despite having the advantage in possession (59.2%) and shots (17-8), shots blocked (7-2), corners won (7-3). Valerie Gauvin, Houston’s 46th minute scorer, had two of Houston’s three shots on target. Katie Naughton, a defensive player, led the Dash with 49 completed passes.
Naughton stated, “We showed what kind of team and where we are heading.” That’s very promising.
The Dash (9-6-6) remain in the playoff race despite the loss. There is one remaining game. Schmidt stated that the Dash could not secure a playoff spot due to North Carolina’s win earlier on the day. “We’re still not in the position going in to the last game in the season that we want,” Schmidt said. Schmidt said, “But we’re in control of our destiny and are in the driver’s chair.” We are certainly capable of achieving the results we desire in Washington.
“This league is extremely competitive and we believe in ourselves that it can be done. We want to control our destiny and not let other results dictate what will happen.
Houston will play the Washington Spirit on Saturday at 6 p.m. to close out its regular season. With 33 points, the Dash already held a club record in points per season.
Shea Groom was given a yellow card for fifth-place in the game. She will be unable to play against Washington.
The Dash tried desperately to score an equalizer in the first minutes of the second period. Maria Sanchez was active in 49 minutes. Maria Sanchez was active in the 49th minute. She struck the crossbar with a left footed shot from a challenging angle. Her long-range effort came right from a free kick.
Naughton stated that they wanted one in the second half. “But we never let the gas pedal stop. We kept pushing. We were able to push, but it was too late.
Dash was unable to overcome Reign’s insurance goal in Latsko’s 79th minute.
OL Reign led 1-0 at the end of the 29th minute. Balcer tapped in a Dash clearance after Megan Rapinoe’s pass into the box. This was Seattle’s first shot in the game.
The Dash had their first chance in the second half. Naughton swung a corner towards the back post, and Ally Prisock was there but could not direct the ball in.
The Reign (10-4-7-7) have not lost in six of their six road games. Houston was Houston’s last defeat on Aug. 7.
Houston was without Ebony Salmon (COVID protocol), its leading scorer. The Dash was without Salmon for the first time since she joined in June from Racing Louisville. She has started all 11 appearances and scored nine goals.
Houston beat Seattle 2-1 at Lumen Field in August. This was the first win for Seattle.
Jane Campbell, Dash’s goalkeeper, was honored pregame for her 100th career appearance in the NWSL. She achieved this milestone against Angel City on September 11.