Anatomy of a Goal: Salmon slays the champs

(image via Houston Dash)

The Houston Dash got a big win Friday night, coming from behind to beat the Portland Thorns 2-1 at Shell Energy Stadium. After going down 1-0 in the first half, Joelle Anderson and Ebony Salmon scored second half goals to give the Dash three points.

Today we’re breaking down Salmon’s goal, her first of the 2023 season. All the images we’re using are from the Paramount+ broadcast and Attacking Third’s YouTube highlight video.

The play starts all the way at the back with the ball being cycled to goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Perfect buildup from back to front.

Center back Natalie Jacobs pushes the ball forward and Allysha Chapman provides width on the left. The Houston attack is well positioned with Michelle Alozie, Ebony Salmon, and Anderson forming a line across the front, with Maria Sánchez off screen.

As Champan takes the ball forward and is pressured by Portland’s Crystal Dunn, we see Anderson calling for the pass (left circle). Sánchez has space to run in behind on the left wing.

Anderson receives the ball with her back to goal (right circle). Salmon has begun moving central (left circle) while Sánchez starts a run down the line.

Sánchez checks back and receives the ball from Anderson (bottom circle). She makes an insane flick with the outside of her left foot to play the ball toward Salmon (top circle) who has continued making a run to the middle of the play.

Salmon collects the ball (circled) and holds off Portland defender Meaghan Nally. Sánchez sand Alozie take off down each wing.

Salmon leaves Nally on the ground (bottom circle) with a textbook turn and she’s away on goal. Alozie’s run on the right wing leaves Meghan Klingenberg (top circle) having to stay with her and not immediately pressure Salmon. It’s a questionable decision by the veteran fullback as Salmon is the immediate threat as she is on the ball and has a clear path to goal.

Salmon continues her run at goal (circled) and Klingenberg still doesn’t go directly at her. She sees Salmon on the ball but stays closer to Alozie.

Klingenberg makes an attempt to challenge Salmon but it’s far too late. The English striker shoots from the top of the box.

Salmon’s shot beats goalkeeper Bella Bixby into the bottom corner and you just just see the relief she has in scoring her first goal of the season. Her teammates don’t hide their excitement either.

Houston’s English striker had gone quite a while without scoring but her first goal of the season gave the Dash a much-needed three points over a very good Thorns team. Dash fans will be hoping this is just the first of many for Salmon in 2023.