Hirst and Alozie goals lead Dash to win over Orlando
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash got a convincing win over the Orlando Pride at Shell Energy Stadium Saturday night, winning 2-0. The win, coupled with last week’s win over Kansas City, marks the first back to back wins of the season for Houston.
The Dash had most of the possession and controlled the game early in the first half. After multiple early corners, Maria Sánchez whipped the ball into the box on another set piece. Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse couldn’t handle the ball and it fell to Sophie Hirst. She flicked the ball up and into the net for her first career goal to give the Dash the lead in the 6th minute.
There continued to be many great opportunities for the Dash, especially with Michelle Alozie forcing Orlando’s defense to stretch and make bad passes. The Dash were recovering the ball quickly within Orlando’s half of the field. Caprice Dydasco and Sophie Schmidt were key in blocking Orlando’s long balls and transitions, keeping the ball in Houston’s half.
The Dash invited pressure from the Pride and they left open space for the Houston wings. On a quick transition, a long ball was passed into the path of a wide open Michelle Alozie. The Nigerian international sprinted forward and cut back to her left and and slotted the ball home t o extend the Dash lead in the 41st minute. It was Alozie’s first goal of the season. The half end with the Dash leading 2-0.
The Dash came out in the second half and still held a command of the game. They slowed the pace of the game but made sure to keep the pressure on Orlando. Houston was able to take control of the battle in the midfield, not allowing the Pride to make passes into the box. Orlando was desperate to get back in the game but with no success. The Dash did well too see the game off andthey took home all three points with a 2-0 win.
The Dash will play at home again at Shell Energy Stadium next Sunday night against NY/NJ Gotham FC. That game is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT and will streamed on Paramount +.
