Dash undone in KC by Kristen Hamilton hat trick
(image via Houston Dash)
Traveling to Kansas City, the Houston Dash knew they needed a win to keep hopes alive in advancing from their group in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. A Madelyn Desiano goal gave Houston an early lead but Kristen Hamilton took over for KC, giving the Current a 3-1 win at home.
Dash head coach Sam Laity made some changes to the lineup. Emily Alvarado got just her second start this season, both in the Challenge Cup, in goal and rookie Madelyn Desiano was given her first career start. The night would go very differently for the two players.
After 17 minutes, Desiano struck from distance to put Houston in front on the road. Maria Sanchez threaded a ball to Desiano on the run near the top of the box. The former UCLA Bruin took a touch then unleased a shot with her right foot that found the top corner from 20 yards out, past a diving AD Franch. It was the first goal of Desiano’s pro career, and what a way it was to score it.
In the 28th minute, things began to turn for the Dash. Alvarado looked to tweak something when she came out to clear a ball and she had to be taken out of the game. Jane Campbell, who looked to have the night off, had to come on. Houston looked to take their lead into halftime. Not only did they not take the lead into the break, they ended up trailing in the game.
Kristen Hamilton kicked off her big night in the first minute of stoppage time. Good buildup play from the Current got the ball wide on their right. A cross in managed to find its way all the way through the box to Hamilton who made no mistake to equalize the match.
Just three minutes later, in the fourth minute of stoppage, Hamilton would bag her brace and give Kansas City the lead. KC countered and an advantage was played as Ally Prisock tried to slow down the attack. The ball was played in to Hamilton who found herself one on one with Campbell. The Current striker slotted past the Houston goalkeeper and KC took a 2-1 lead.
The home side sealed the win in the 65th minute and it was Hamilton again, completing her hat trick. Hamilton found herself alone near the top of the box and as the ball was played into her she took one touch to settle then blasted a shot past Campbell. The Current took a 3-1 lead and that was that for the evening.
Houston’s loss now has them six points behind Kansas City for second place in the group, which would advance to the next round. The Current have a much better goal difference so it would take a near miracle for the Dash to finish ahead of them. Houston will be back at it next Saturday, the 29th, against Racing Louisville who lead the group with a perfect four wins in four matches. That match will be at Shell Energy Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM.
