HOUSTON DASH LOST TO WASHINGTON SPIRIT 2-1 IN NWSL SEASON OPENER

Houston Dash lost to Washington Spirit 2-1 in season opener

Written by Sam Mbonu

Maggie Graham came off the bench to score in the 75th minutes to fuel Houston Dash come back against The Washington Spirit but it was too little too late as the Houston Dash fell 2-1 at the Shell Energy Stadium in NWSL Challenge Cup home opener. 

Freshly back from SheBelieves Cup, Jane Campbell started in her usual position as Houston Dash first year head coach manager, Fabrice Gautrat deployed a 4-4-2 formation. against the NWSL Challenge Cup defending champions. 

Houston Dash nearly got into an early lead in the first 10 minutes of the game when Bárbara Olivieri intercepted the ball in Washington Spirit area but fired blank with a low ball which Washington Spirit goalkeeper spilled, and Dash won a corner kick. 

Uniquely, Washington Spirit in their resplendent lemon green jersey took the lead in the 16th minutes when Ashley Hatch forced a save from Jane Campbell and Makenna Morris tapped in a rebounded ball. Dash pushed for an equalizer, but the visitors kept them at bay with their relentless offensive plays. 

The NWSL Challenge Cup defending champions, Washington Spirit doubled the lead in the 32nd minutes when they forced a turnover on Jane Campbell quick buildup at the edge of the vital goal area, Washington Spirit midfielder Chloe Ricketts unleashed a volley that rebounded off the cross bar and Ashley Hatch who was at the right place at the right time slotted in the ball into an empty net. 

Meanwhile, in search of reinforcement and possible seek for ways to get back to the game, Dash manager, Fabrice Gautra handed midfielder, Maggie Graham her NWSL debut in the 60th minute when he brought her off the bench and the former Duke University player wasted no time in marking an impact. Graham latched on a redirected ball from Ryan Gareis off defender Avery Patterson cross to turn the ball into Washington Spirit net. 

Graham’s goal seems to have galvanized Houston Dash offense as they launched series of onslaught but the resolute Washington Spirit defense held strong to repeal everything Dash threw at them. Washington Spirit's goalkeeper, Aubrey Kingsbury, two time NWSL goalkeeper of year was called into action as she made series of saves to keep the score line at 2-1.

Houston’s final opportunity of the match came when Yazmeen Ryan shot on goal late into second half stoppage time.   

The Dash travel to Illinois next weekend to face Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, March 23.