Dash finish Summer Cup with 2-0 win over Pachuca
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash secured a 2-0 victory over Pachuca CF, in their first-ever matchup, to finish Summer Cup play. Diana Ordonez captained the team for the first time in this game and scored for the second straight match.
Following a stunning win against Tigres Femenil, acting head coach Ricky Clarke rotated the squad, giving playing time to Belle Briede, Amanda West, and Andressa to build their form and rest key players. Heather Hinz remained in goal after her impressive performance against Tigres.
The Dash dominated from the outset, while Pachuca opted to sit back and absorb pressure. The Dash’s relentless pressure paid off early in the first half. A well-placed through ball freed West on the left flank. She crossed into the box, where Andressa volleyed the ball into the net, giving Houston a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.
Despite the goal, the Dash maintained their intensity. They had several opportunities to extend their lead, including an acrobatic shot from Andressa and a shot from Avery Patterson that hit the crossbar. Ordonez had a penalty kick saved in the 44th minute, as well. Pachuca managed only one notable chance after the Dash's goal and was largely subdued throughout the match.
In the second half, the Dash continued their dominance. Pachuca, sensing urgency, pushed a higher line and had more shots, but none tested Dash goalkeeper Heather Hinz significantly.
The Dash's continued pressure led to a corner, which Andressa took. She delivered an in-swinging ball that Ordonez headed into the net in the 61st minute, doubling the Dash’s lead. This goal marked Ordonez’s second of the tournament and provided redemption after her earlier penalty miss.
With the Dash leading 2-0, Pachuca intensified their efforts, but Hinz was up to the task. She made crucial saves, including one from point-blank range in the 73rd minute and another during a one-on-one situation in the 75th. Her performance solidified her role as a reliable second goalkeeper for the Dash.
The Dash preserved their clean sheet, the first for Hinz in her pro career, and secured back-to-back wins, a crucial boost for momentum and confidence as they head into the return of league play. This tournament has highlighted key players the Dash can rely on for the remainder of the season as they face an uphill climb to make the NWSL playoffs. “This is a talented team,” Ordonez said after the match. “Obviously, we are overlooked because of the results we've had in the past. I don’t think Houston has the best reputation in terms of winning games at home. I don’t want this team to hang its head, we have so much talent across the board, from the back to the front. As you all saw our number two keeper (Heather Hinz) just came up huge, that game could’ve been tied within minutes. I think it shows our players are ready when their name is called. A lot of players gone are gone, it has helped us grow and we are gaining more of an identity than we have had before. We want to make teams adjust to what we’re doing, not so much of us having to adjust every time we play a new team.”
Kansas City Current’s win over Tigres meant the Dash’s Summer Cup comes to an end, finishing second place in the group. Only the top four of the five group winners advance to the semifinals. “The tournament was an opportunity for us to make sure we get everyone minutes,” Clarke said following the win. “If you look at the game, if you look at all the games, we played pretty much every one that was available to us. So, from that perspective, we learned a lot about the entire roster. We also learned a lot about different styles of play as well. Tonight was very different from a normal NWSL game, teams don't set off you, they don't give you space, they don't give you time. Tonight, we found loads of time and space, which is a little bit unusual for us. So as a team, it helps our growth and how we develop. We learned a lot about ourselves and the roster.”
The Dash will return to action on August 23rd, hosting the Orlando Pride at 7:00 PM. The match will be streamed on Prime Video.
