Dash at Portland Thorns: Highlights, stats, and quotes
(image via USA TODAY)
The Houston Dash made the trip to Portland to take on the defending NWSL champion Thorns. A goal from Maria Sánchez in the first half equalized the match and despite good chances from borh sides, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
MATCH SUMMARY
Portland Thorns FC 1 – 1 Houston Dash
Friday, April 14, 2023
Venue: Providence Park - Portland, Oregon
Referee: Alex Billeter
Assistants: Chris Canales, Tiffini Turpin
Fourth Official: Aidan Velasco
VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
Attendance: 15,657
Weather: 57 degrees, clear skies
SCORING SUMMARY
POR: Crystal Dunn (Sophia Smith) 9’
HOU: Maria Sánchez (unassisted) 24’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
None
LINEUPS & STATS
Portland Thorns FC: Bella Bixby; Megan Klingenberg, Becky Sauerbrunn (C), Kelli Hubly, Reyna Reyes (Natalia Kuikka 46); Olivia Moultrie (Izzy D’Aquila 79), Crystal Dunn (Rocky Rodriguez 64), Sam Coffey; Morgan Weaver, Michele Vasconcelos (Hina Sugita 64), Sophia Smith (Hannah Betfort 79)
Unused Substitutes: Shelby Hogan, Meaghan Nally, Taylor Porter Gabby Provenzano
Total shots: 22
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 5
Offside: 1
Corner kicks: 8
Saves: 5
Houston Dash: Jane Campbell; Allysha Chapman, Ally Prisock, Natalie Jacobs, Caprice Dydasco; Sophie Schmidt (C) (Havana Solaun 64), Marisa Viggiano, Joelle Anderson (Courtney Peterson 64); Ebony Salmon (Cameron Tucker 90+1), Diana Ordóñez (Michelle Alozie 90+2), María Sánchez
Unused substitutes: Savanah Madden, Kelcie Hedge, Ryan Gareis, Madelyn Desiano, Katie Lind, Sophie Hirst
Total shots: 14
Shots on goal: 6
Fouls: 11
Offside: 0
Corner kicks: 4
Saves: 4
HOUSTON DASH HEAD COACH SAM LAITY
Overall thoughts on the match:
"I’m delighed actually. A little bit disappointed with the disallowed goal which, by all accounts from various sources have said that the goal should have been allowed because she dropped it. So a bit disappointed for that but, considering the week we’ve had, the game on Tuesday, internationals, the injuries we’ve had, a point here, we came for three in full transparency, in playing a 3-5-2, we were gonna play a system that was gonna hurt them. We weren’t gonna come here and sit off and let them gain momentum. I think we did a good job considering we had about 45 minutes in a training session to look at the options for us in a 3-5-2. Ecstatic to come here, which is a very difficult place, and come away with a point.”
HOUSTON DASH MIDFIELDER SOPHIE SCHMIDT
On having limited time to practice this week:
"You just have to embrace it and do the best you can. I thought that Sam did a good in delivering the message and kudos to the team for adapting and executing the plan on the field. There were some moments when there was unclarity but I’m proud of the girls for being resilient and figuring things out on the cuff and dealing with the situation. Not ideal, but we dealt with it well and I thought we caused Portland a lot of problems.”
HOUSTON DASH FORWARD CAPRICE DYDASCO
On reaching 10,00 minutes in NWSL:
"I didn’t know until after the game. That’s a lot of soccer and I feel old but I think it’s amazing. I still love this game so much and I still have so much growth and I want to get better each time and even though it’s a lot of soccer, I’m so grateful that I’m able to play this game and be on a team that’s so great. We have great camaraderie on and off the field and I just want to keep enjoying playing.”
