The Houston Dash will head into the 2022 NWSL playoffs on a high note after a 2-1 win over the Washington Spirit tonight at Audi Field in the regular-season finale. The win was Houston’s 10th of the season, setting a new team record, and their league-best seventh away from home.
The Dash finish the regular season with a 10-6-6 mark on the year and 36 points. With their win, the Dash will finish the year fourth in the NWSL table, which means the Dash will host their playoff debut against the Kansas City Current on Sunday, Oct. 16. Kickoff time for that match will be announced in the near future.
Tickets for the playoff match will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, Oct. 4. Houston Dash 365 Season Ticket Members will have first access to secure their seats for the game through a Members-only presale beginning Monday, Oct. 3. Non-Members can register for priority access at HoustonDash.com and have the opportunity to purchase seats before they go on sale to the public.
Midfielder Marisa Viggiano scored her second goal of the regular season. Forward Nichelle Prince played the ball out to rookie Ryan Gareis, in the midfield who found Viggiano running down the right flank toward goal unmarked. Viggiano then dribbled down a few yards before firing a perfectly-placed curling shot with her left foot that tucked inside the upper left corner of the net.
Washington tied the match in the 36th minute of the game after forward Trinity Rodman drew a foul in the box. Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan converted the penalty narrowly missing the fingertips of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell.
Houston took the lead in the 59th after Prince forced pressure in the six-yard box. Forward Michelle Alozie floated a ball in to Prince, who flicked a header toward goal. Prince’s shot bounced off the far post and back into the field of play where it bounced off a Spirit defender and slowly rolled across the line for an own goal.
The Dash hit the woodwork four times in the second half, including Prince’s header that led to the own goal. Alozie almost scored in the opening seconds of the second half. Alozie, who came in as a second half substitute, hit the crossbar. In the 55th minute, forward Ebony Salmon hit the crossbar in almost the same spot as Alozie’s shot 10 minutes prior. In the 85th, forward Michaela Abam forced a save from Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who parried it off of her near post.
