Dash pick up point in rainy derby
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash managed to secure a 1-1 draw against league leaders Kansas City Current on Sunday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium in a match that featured over a four hour delay because of storms. Rookie Amanda West scored her first goal in the NWSL in the second half to earn Houston a point.
Head coach Fran Alonso faced the challenge of last-minute injuries, notably to Sophie Schmidt, necessitating adjustments in the starting lineup. This saw Courtney Petersen returning to the defense and Amanda West moving to the wing to create space for Yuki Nagasato and Ramona Bachmann in the attacking positions.
Despite some light rain, the first half began with KC seizing control of the ball and applying high pressure. They had several early shots on goal, but goalkeeper Jane Campbell ensured the score remained level. The reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year made saves on Hailie Mace in the 8th minute, Alex Spaanstra in the 10th, and another diving save in the 16th.
The pressure took its toll on the Dash, and in the 23rd minute, Izzy Rodriguez's cross from the corner flag went without success. Vanessa DiBernardo seized the opportunity with a second attempt, crossing the ball to Temwa Chawinga, who converted in the bottom left corner, wrong-footing Campbell to give the Current a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
The Dash's best chance of the half came in the 44th minute when Amanda West broke past the Kansas City defenders but failed to beat goalkeeper AD Franch in a one-on-one situation. The first half concluded with KC leading 1-0, frustrating the Dash and keeping them pinned in their own half.
The teams would stay in the locker rooms for much longer than the intended 15-minute half time. Storms rolled through Houston prompting a delay in starting the second half. After more than four hours weather delay, the second half commenced. The game resumed with both teams displaying renewed energy and intensity.
The Dash emerged stronger in the second half, eventually equalizing through Amanda West in the 71st minute. A quick cross into the Current’s 18-yard box resulted in a defensive error by Franch. The Current goalkeeper couldn’t control a ball into the box, fumbling it down to her feet. She tried to clear it but her pass was deflected by Barb Olivieri right to West. The rookie controlled the ball, found the opening, and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past retreating defenders.
“Right when it went in, it was just elation,“ West said post game. “That was my first professional goal, so that's going to be one that I'll remember forever. It was a special moment, not only for myself, but to share it with my teammates. We have a really good group here. We work so hard for each other every day. That was a moment for the whole team. As well for Fran (Alonso), he gets so excited about our goals. He's very energetic. It was awesome to share that moment with the girls and the coaches.”
Despite KC's late attempts to snatch a winner, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Campbell keeping the Current at bay. The Dash goalkeeper finished with 12 saves, tying a NWSL record for a match. Both teams exhibited determination and fought hard in the second half, after enduring a lenghty delay and earned a point each. "A game of two halves with four hours between each half,” Alonso said after the match. “Very difficult for the players to approach. I have to say, I'm extremely proud of our players. The way they came out in the second half and wanted to win the game. We showed this ambition, we scored a goal. The opponent dropped two points before today and they averaged almost three goals per game. This is a very important point for us. Another step in the right direction and building on our performance against Utah last week."
The Dash will return home for a quick turnaround with a match against NY/NJ Gotham FC on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:00 PM. The game will be available for streaming on NWSL+.
