The Houston Dash earned their first series victory over the Washington Spirit with a 2-1 victory this evening at BBVA Compass Stadium. The victory was Houston’s third under interim head coach Omar Morales and extended the team’s unbeaten run to five consecutive games.
A short corner kick in the 25th minute resulted in Brazilian defender Poliana’s fourth goal of the season. Her countrywoman, midfielder Andressinha, played the ball to fellow midfielder Janine Beckie, who found the defender inside the box. Poliana’s header evaded a lunging effort from Washington goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé at the far post for the first goal of the game.
Forward Rachel Daly found Andressinha outside the box in the 53rd minute for the second goal of the game. Andressinha’s first-touch shot from the edge of the box tucked inside the upper left corner of the goal, beating Labbé for her second goal of the season. It was the first game-winning goal for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
Despite a late goal by Washington defender Estelle Johnson, Dash rookie goalkeeper Jane Campbell was vital to the team’s win, delivering eight saves in the game.
Campbell earned the first of two possible nominations for the NWSL Save of the Week in the 29th minute after she denied Shelina Zadorsky’s long-range effort that was inching toward the top corner of the near post.
Campbell was called into action again in the 42nd minute when she Estefania Banini after she dribbled into the box and shot from the penalty box.
Defender Camille Levin found Poliana inside the box in the 10th minute but her header towards the far post was handled by Labbé.
Four minutes later U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Mallory Pugh dribbled into the box, but her shot was handled by Campbell.
Poliana found Daly inside the six yard box in the 20th minute, but Labbé was able to save Daly’s shot off the goal line twice at point-blank range to prevent the first goal of the game.
Daly threatened with the third goal of the game in the 67th minute when she rounded a defender inside the box to create space, but her shot was saved by a diving Labbé at the near post.
Johnson drew the visitors to within a goal in the 75th minute, but the Dash were able to see out the final 15 minutes in order to walk away with the victory.
Houston wraps up a three-game home stand next Saturday against the Boston Breakers at 7:30 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets for the match start at $17 and are available online at HoustonDashSoccer.com, by phone at 713-276-GOAL and at the BBVA Compass Stadium box office.
