HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 28, 2018) – Another three points have skyrocketed the North Carolina Courage up the NWSL standings. The Courage dominated the Houston Dash in a 2-0 victory this weekend.
Sabrina D’Angelo, who sat in favor of Katelyn Rowland last weekend against the Utah Royals FC, returned to the starting lineup. D’Angelo preserved her fifth shutout of the season and made three saves.
Another three points: North Carolina Courage blank Houston Dash
Meanwhile, on the other end, Jane Campbell made five saves. However, she could not stop Crystal Dunn or Kristen Hamilton.
Dunn scored her third goal in four matches in the 3rd minute. Dunn’s goal was assisted by forward Jessica McDonald. After halftime, Hamilton doubled the lead in the 48th minute on a goal assisted by Denise O’Sullivan.
In total, the Courage took 27 shots, with seven hitting the frame.
After the match, Courage Head Coach Paul Riley said his side was “in control of the game.”
“That was our best performance of the season for the full 90 minutes,” Riley said. “Anytime you’re away from home in this league and get three points, it’s obviously been a successful day. I feel like they’re maturing into a really good team now.”
https://twitter.com/TheNCCourage/status/990324992125566977
Three Takeaways
- D’Angelo might be set in goal: Last weekend, Rowland faltered a bit in goal. It was because of miscommunication that the Courage tied with the Royals. Riley, who has been open to using both of his goalkeepers, put D’Angelo back in on Saturday. However, it would be unfair to just one-and-done a veteran keeper like Rowland. Riley might give her another chance, but D’Angelo does look solid.
- Welcome back, Debinha: After winning the Copa América Femenina tournament with Brazil, Debinha returned to the Courage. The midfielder/forward came into the match in the 62nd minute for Hamilton.
- Houston, we have a problem: After what seemed like a decent start to the season, the Houston Dash are slipping down the NWSL standings. The team now sits in eighth place, only one point above Sky Blue FC. Is it time to hit the panic button in Houston? Not necessarily; Kealia Ohai is back and hasn’t even played a full 90 minutes yet. If she can’t deliver in a full match, then press the big, red button.
https://twitter.com/TheNCCourage/status/990335946519465985
