By Manuel Olivares
The Houston Dash drew 2-2 at home against Washington Spirit. The result that Dash may not want but points are needed to keep the hopes for playoffs alive. Still sitting three-way tied for first place, the Dash came back to secure a point for the race for first place.
Coming to this weekend’s game, the Dash has a huge opportunity to climb the table since their competitors, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave, face each other, allowing the Dash to climb up to first with the win. Also with great news on transfers with two new additions, Forward Valerie Gauvin and Defender Tierney Wiltshire. This game also starts with the Defender of the Year, Caprice Dydasco.
The Dash started the game slowly, trying to find out how to open the Spirit. Within the first 20 minutes of play, they were able to get 3 shots on target and entered the attacking third 8 times. Many good signs were looking for the Dash to get a goal within the first minutes of the First Half. Noticeable with shots from Shea Groom and Ebony Salmon missing good chances.
Things would turn Dash’s way. Spirit Defender Andi Sullivan fouled Ebony Salmon outside the box in the 21st minute. It gave Forward Maria Sanchez to serve the ball into the box but found the Washington Defender. The ball wasn’t cleared out of the box and Midfielder Sophie Schmidt tucked the ball in, which gave the Dash a 1-0 lead.
Going to halftime, the Dash looks like the team that will take all three points. They grew comfortably into the game and was opening up the Spirit defense many times. If they keep it up, it can be a one-sided game.
Sadly, the second half proved to be too much for the Dash. Washington changed their tactics and began overrunning the Dash’s defense. The main threat was Forwards Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman. They began a quick counterattack in the 52nd minute as Rodman ran down the flank and ran past every Dash defender. She made a quick cross to Hatch and tied the game 1-1.
The Spirit’s attack wasn’t over. Two minutes later, Defender Natalie Jacobs fouls Hatch outside the penalty box. It gave Midfielder Ashley Sanchez to cross into the path of Hatch who heads it in for 2-1 for the Spirit. Within the timeframe of 3 minutes, the Spirit turns the game on its head.
The game wasn’t over. In the dying efforts of the game, the Dash put all their forwards to get a result. Within a minute of stoppage time, Defender Caprice Dydasco crossed the ball to forwarding Michelle Alozie who shot it the first time and the Washington Goalkeeper saved it. But it fell again to Alozie who made sure the second time and tied the game at 2-2.
For the neutral fan that it’s getting into NWSL, this was a good match to watch. For the Dash, it means 4 games to go to finally secure a clinched playoff spot. With the international break coming, the team can take a break and come back with the final stretch of the season.
The Dash will be at home again at PNC Stadium to face off LA Angel City FC on September 11th at 6:00 PM CST on Paramount +.