Dash get first win of 2021 season after going winless

The Houston Dash kicked off the 2021 season with a visit to NY/NJ Gotham FC on May 15. Things did not turn out in Houston’s favor as the Dash were defeated 1-0 on a goal by Midge Purce in the 15^th minute of play.

On May 23, the Dash hoped to turn things around when Kansas City NWSL came to BBVA Stadium for a Sunday night match.

Kansas City would get the scoring started with a goal by Amy Rodriguez in the 13^th minute. Kansas City would then get a yellow card issued to Elizabeth Ball in the 53^rd minute. Houston would then get a yellow card issued to Sophie Schmidt in the 57^th minute. The Dash would then tie the game in the 60^th minute on a goal by Rachel Daly. One minute later, Kansas City would see a second yellow card issued to Taylor Leach. Kansas City native Shea Groom would give Houston a 2-1 lead after a goal in the 66^th minute. Things seemed to be in Houston’s favor when Elizabeth Ball was issued her second yellow card and a red card suspension in the 69^th minute. However, Kansas City would take advantage of playing with 10 players and tie the game two minutes into stoppage time.

Houston would then play the Washington Spirit in Houston due to construction delays at Segra Field on May 26. Again, things did not work in favor as the Dash fell 2-1.

Rachel Daly would score the only goal for Houston in the 9^th minute. Washington would then tie the game in the 21^st minute on a goal by Ashley Sanchez. Discipline was a problem for both teams. Andi Sullivan would be issued a yellow card in the 44^th minute. One minute later, Houston’s Haley Hanson would get a yellow card as well.

Tied at the half, Houston hoped to walk away with a draw. Things appeared that way when Andi Sullivan was issued a second yellow card and a red card ejection in the 50^th minute. Forced to play with 10 players, Washington took advantage when Ashley Hatch scored in the 70^th minute to give the Spirit the lead and ultimately the win.

Winless through three games, Houston hoped to get their first win on May 29 at home against the Chicago Red Stars.

Things did not start out in Houston’s favor though. A Chicago goal by Mal Pugh in the 4^th minute gave the Red Stars an early lead. However, the Dash would respond in the 17^th minute with a goal by Nichelle Prince to tie the game at 1 goal each. Sophie Schmidt would then give the Dash the lead and the win with a goal in the 82^nd minute of play.

Four games into the season, the Houston Dash currently sit in sixth place and would make the playoffs if the season ended today.

If the Dash can’t capitalize on playing with extra players, this season will be a very long and drawn out one.