Second half goals sink Dash in Summer Cup opener
(image via NWSL)
The Houston Dash suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Kansas City Current Saturday night to begin their play in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Allysha Chapman returned to the starting lineup following her maternity leave, while Erin McKinney made her debut in goal for the team.
The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup kicked off, and the Dash faced challenges including assistant coachRicky Clarke continuing in the absence of head coach Fran Alonso, who remains ill. The team also coped with a depleted squad due to Olympic call-ups, injuries, Covid absences, and international duties. With only five players available on the bench, Houston fielded a heavily rotated starting eleven.
Kansas City seized an early advantage when Michelle Cooper capitalized on a Temwa Chawinga cross to score in the first minute of play. Houston didn’t let the early goal take them out of the game and stayed on the front foot. Yuki Nagasato equalized for the Dash in the 20th minute with a strike from outside the box.
Despite both teams having opportunities, neither could convert effectively in front of goal throughout the match. Kansas City took the lead again in the 68th minute through a deflected shot from Lo'eau LaBonta that trickled over the line despite McKinney's efforts. In the 83rd minute, KC sealed their victory with another goal after pressure forced a Dash defensive error and Kristen Hamilton slotted a shot past McKinney.
The result wasn’t what the Dash hoped for, given their circumstances with a young and inexperienced squad facing a tough opponent. Despite bright moments and resilience shown, they ultimately fell short due to on-field mistakes.
Next up, the Dash will host Tigres in their second group match on Sunday, July 28 at 7:00 PM. The match will stream on Paramount+ and CBS Golazo Network.
