Houston Dash vs Angel City FC: Highlights, stats, and quotes
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash conceded twice in the first half and ended up losing 3-1 to Angel City FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Houston Dash 1-3 Angel City FC
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Venue: Shell Energy Stadium - Houston, Texas
Referee: Jaclyn Metz
Assistants: Tiffini Turpin, Austin Holt
Fourth Official: Brian Marshall
VAR: Anya Voigt
Attendance: 5,263
Weather: 84 degrees, sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
ACFC: Macey Hodge (unassisted) 13’
ACFC: Riley Tiernan (Alyssa Thompson) 29’
HOU: Barbara Olivieri (Yazmeen Ryan) 61’
ACFC: Alyssa Thompson (Riley Tiernan) 86’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
ACFC: Macey Hodge (caution; foul) 52’
ACFC: Riley Tiernan (caution; foul) 72’
HOU: Messiah Bright (caution; foul) 90’
LINEUPS & STATS
Houston Dash: Jane Campbell (c); Maggie Graham, Paige Nielsen, Katie Lind, Christen Westphal (Michelle Alozie 63’); Delanie Sheehan, Sophie Schmidt (Ryan Gareis 46’), Danielle Colaprico; Yazmeen Ryan, Bárbara Olivieri (Ramona Bachmann 84’), Diana Ordóñez (Messiah Bright 46’)
Unused substitutes: Zoe Matthews, Kiki Van Zanten, Sarah Puntigam, Belle Briede, Abby Smith
Total shots: 14
Shots on goal: 3
Fouls: 6
Offside: 0
Corner kicks: 8
Saves: 3
Angel City FC: Angelina Anderson; M.A. Vinola, Savy King, Sarah Gorden (c), Gissele Thompson (Christen Press 74’); Macey Hodge (Katie Zelem 62’), Kennedy Fuller, Alanna Kennedy (Madison Hammoud 63’); Alyssa Thompson (Megan Reid 90’), Riley Tiernan, Cleire Emslie (Miyabi Moriya 46’)
Unused Substitutes: Hannah Stambaugh, Julie Dufour, Casey Phair, Lily Nabet
Total shots: 13
Shots on goal: 6
Fouls: 12
Offside: 2
Corner kicks: 2
Saves: 2
HOUSTON DASH HEAD COACH FABRICE GAUTRAT
On the game:
“In certain phases of the game; it was pretty good. In the first half, we didn't stretch their line enough. In defensive transition, which we knew that's how they were going to score. Both situations were transition moments, so stopping it early. If you look at the second goal, the ball is kind of trickling down. We don't clear it. We try to play out of it. If you look at the second phase, in the first goal, they cross it and it trickles out, and then they shoot from long range. There's a lot of things that we need to get better at. So, look it was frustrating, but if you look at, especially the totality of the game, you saw moments of dominance. In this league, you have to be better in defensive transitions."
On his message to the team at halftime:
“The first one was that we need to stretch the last line. I said 'we're going to change things up, because we needed to,' that was it. Also we had a couple knocks this week where some players had to be out and players had to step up. I think some of them did, which was good. I talked about the box defending and then I talked about how it was unacceptable for players beating other players on top of the box. To have an easy shot on goal, just 1,000 percent unacceptable. That was the message and you saw a response, which is good. One thing we've talked about a lot, it's oftentimes too dependent on my voice and my response to them changing things. That needs to come more from within.”
On building the backline with injuries:
“It's tough, but we preach that we have depth. I thought both Maggie (Graham) and (Christen) Westphal had a great game, and they did their job to the extent that they could. Obviously, putting one in and one out. Maggie obviously has done really well at the six. You take her out of a spot where she's been just more comfortable in. At the end of the day, I can't have those players (players listed as out) healthy. So, we got to adjust, and we thought that was the best thing to do.”
On the lineup changes throughout the game:
“If you look at the injury report, there were things outside of our control, so we had to make changes. We felt that was the best thing. If you look at her backline, Maggie (Graham) and (Christen) Westphal going into the back line. Westphal has an enormous amount of experience. I thought she did really well, especially in that higher outside back position. I felt that Diana (Ordóñez) did what she needed to do, but we felt we needed someone that could stretch the back line a little more. That's what the game called for. So, that's the decision we made.”
On Ramona Bachmann’s return:
"She's been training really well. The biggest thing is just getting her game fitness back and just kind of getting that sharpness. Everyone knows how much quality she has. She can change a game if she's really on. So yeah, we're really looking forward to it. She's going to go into camp and get quality minutes there, I think it'll be good for her. When we come back, hopefully we can hit the ground running.”
HOUSTON DASH DEFENDER KATIE LIND
On the game:
"We’re all pretty frustrated with the result. In the first half, we let in two really soft goals by our standards, which put us on the back foot. I think in the second half we generated a lot more in the attack. We spent more time in their end, threatened their backline, created chances and ultimately converted one. But we need to start on the front foot and avoid digging ourselves into a hole we have to climb out of. So, we're frustrated but there are also positive pictures to look at because I know we dominated in most of the stat categories—it’s just a frustrating loss, for sure."
On her 150th appearance:
“Yeah, I mean, it's very exciting. It's a credit to everyone I've played with and all the coaches I've had the pleasure of working with who have helped me get to this point. Thank God I’ve stayed healthy over the years—I think that’s helped as well. The league has grown so much during the time I’ve played, and it’s really exciting to see. I’m super grateful and honored to have reached this milestone with the Dash."
On the lineup adjustments:
"Regardless of who we have in our lineup or on the field, we’re not going to change anything tactically. In terms of rhythm, we still had the upper hand in a lot of ways—we just switched off during those two moments when they capitalized. We’re a deep team with a lot of talent we can always call on, whether it’s due to an injury, someone coming out of the game, or just needing a different look. We have all the talent we could ask for right now, and I think we just have to really start utilizing and capitalizing on it."
HOUSTON DASH FORWARD BARBARA OLIVIERI
On today’s game:
“Obviously, disappointed with the loss. I feel like we created a lot of chances, especially in the second half. So, it's definitely disappointing, but it feels good to see the progress throughout the game and just progress in general. I feel like we were moving the ball a lot better. It's good to see progress, but we're definitely frustrated and disappointed with the loss.”
On the team’s mentality after halftime:
“I mean, we knew that 2-0 at half just it feels terrible, especially at home. We went out there and just had to shift. There was no other choice. Like, let's flip it around and let's try to get a goal. As soon as the whistle blew, we completely shifted. The changes that we made clearly (made an impact), if we played like that for 90 minutes there, it would be a different game for sure.”
On the play leading to her goal:
“It started just pressing off the goal kick, and then, just happy that it went in the goal. It was a little awkward of a finish but happy that it went in. Yazmeen (Ryan) assisted. It was good build-up play there, pressing wise, and that's kind of what Fabrice (Gautrat) wants us to do. It shows our mentality, even though we're down 2-0, to get a goal.”
On adapting to a different lineup:
“Yeah, a different lineup. The ideas and tactics are the same. I mean just knowing that and seeing the relationships with players, you kind of have to get used to it quickly.”
On the focus going to the next match:
“Just building on those last 45 minutes, it was a completely different feeling as well. You could just tell we were more comfortable on the ball. I feel like that is what we need to feel every time, from the first minute to the 90th.”
