Dash fall to Bay FC in season finale
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash lost to Bay FC 2-2 Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium in the team’s final game of the season. Houston failed to play spoilers as the win gave Bay a spot in the playoffs in their first season in the league.
Interim head coach Ricky Clarke fielded a strong starting eleven, with pride on the line for the Dash. With Jane Campbell sidelined due to a knock during the international break, Heather Hinz made her NWSL debut in goal. Additionally, with Tarciane and Diana Ordonez unavailable, Jyllissa Harris and Barbara Olivieri retained their positions in the lineup.
After nearly an hour delay for kick-off because of storms in the area, Bay FC was eager to secure a result. They found their momentum early, earning a free-kick in the 10th minute. The ball was crossed into the Dash penalty area, where Paige Nielsen attempted to clear it. Unfortunately, her effort resulted in an own goal, giving Bay FC a 1-0 lead.
Despite the setback, the Dash pressed on in search of a response, and they found it. Sarah Puntigam played a precise through ball to Olivieri, who broke through the defense and calmly slotted the shot past the goalkeeper to equalize in the 14th minute.
As the intensity ramped up, Bay FC quickly regained the advantage. They won an early corner, and Dorian Bailey’s cross found Racheal Kundananji, who had the time and space to blast the ball past Hinz, making it 2-1 in the 21st minute.
An exhilarating first half saw both teams take risks to gain control, but their attacks were largely neutralized. The tide shifted at the start of the second half when Yuki Nagasato delivered a long through ball to a free Avery Patterson. Patterson made a solo run and slotted the ball into the net, scoring her first NWSL goal and leveling the match at 2-2 in the 46th minute.
Just when it seemed the chaos might subside, Bay FC struck back. Kundananji once again showcased her skill, making a solo run past every Dash defender and chipping the ball over Hinz in the 54th minute to restore Bay FC’s lead.
The scoring frenzy concluded with Bay FC winning 3-2 against the Dash. With this victory, Bay FC clinched a playoff spot in their inaugural season, while the Dash finished at the bottom of the standings despite their spirited performance.
This wraps up the Dash’s 2024 NWSL season, which saw them finish with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 15 losses. It has been a challenging season for the club, but fans can hold onto hope for the future, as the offseason promises a significant rebuild with a new general manager, a new head coach, and a revamped roster.
