By Christine Espinoza
“A good first half and then a gift in the second,” Racing coach Kim Bjorkegren described the game quite accurately as Racing enjoyed a two goal lead in the first half, only to lose by three quick goals in the second half.
The game in general was much to Racing’s favor. They had a slight possession advantage throughout and had several shots on goal; something that needed to be worked on since their last game and last season. Obviously, it was taken to heart as Racing made many approaches to the final third with 9 shots, 5 of those on target.
Racing’s first goal came in the 16th minute when NWSL newcomer Kirsten Davis was able to capitalize on passing error from Dash to score her first league goal. Then, the goal that all Racing fans had been waiting for: at the 40th Jess McDonald, who capitalized on a Dash player’s deflection attempt after Lauren Milliet attempted to score, made the game 2-0.
Racing would shine most in their first half where not only were with their goals, but with their defensive line being able to keep Dash’s forwards Maria Sanchez (more on her later) and Nichelle Prince at bay in the first half.
Things took an interesting turn in the second half where Dash’s Sanchez was able to break through Racing’s defense at the 56th and score the first goal for Houston. The second one came in quick succession when just two minutes later, Sanchez crossed a ball to Marisa Viggiano who found the back of Katie Lund’s net. The unfortunate events would continue at the 65th when a Racing handball earned Dash a penalty kick, which Dash’s captain Rachel Daly converted into the winning goal.
McDonald had a senior player’s perspective on such a turn of events, saying “It’s all about encouragement. We don’t need any type of negativity on the field.”
“Hopefully with our experience, from Gemma (Bonner) in the back and my experience in the front, we just help the girls learn from that and learn to move on because we’re going to be in situations like that.”
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