HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 23, 2018) — A slew of mid-week matches is not complete without at least one upset.
Head down to BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas, and that’s where the shocking final score was located. The Houston Dash triumphed over the Seattle Reign FC, who currently hold second place in the NWSL.
Veronica Latsko was the hero of Houston. Latsko’s goal, assisted by Thembi Kgatlana, was the game-winner.
Houston Dash Able to Shock Seattle Reign Courtesy of Veronica Latsko Stoppage Time Goal
The goal was scored in stoppage time of the second half.
Before Latsko’s goal, Kristie Mewis found the back of Michelle Betos’ net in the 68th minute. Mewis’ goal was unassisted.
Seattle did put up the opening points of the match. Beverly Yanez, a forward, scored the opening goal in the 17th minute.
Jodie Taylor assisted Yanez’ goal.
After the match, Latsko said the Houston Dash is one “of the most resilient teams I’ve ever met.”
“[The win is] awesome, especially when you contribute it to our momentum,” Latsko said. “I think we’re just going to keep on building and learning from this game. We have a long season ahead. It’s so exciting. It doesn’t feel real. People keep reminding me that we won, that we scored. It’s super exciting and I’m glad to help my team in any way I can.”
Latsko also said that Kgatlana’s assist was the best part of the goal.
“Thembi is doing all the work here,” Latsko said, laughing. “I’m getting the credit. She’s doing 90 percent, and I just have to tap it in. It’s definitely so much bigger than one person.”
Latsko also described the atmosphere as “incredible.”
“Playing in front of our home crowd and winning in front of our home crowd is awesome,” Latsko said. “The excitement after the game and after the goal, I never experienced anything like that.”
Showstopper 🤩 #DashOn https://t.co/BT8xV5XJzh
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) May 24, 2018
Three Takeaways
- It’s time to give Vera Pauw credit: After reiterating that I am not jumping on the Vera Pauw hype train, I might have just purchased a ticket. The first-year Houston Dash head coach is doing something special with this club. There are hardly any big names — Kealia Ohai, Jane Campbell, and Kristie Mewis are the biggest names — with this club, but what they’re doing is successful.
- Houston inching their way up the board: While the Dash still sit in seventh, Houston is inching their way up the NWSL standings. While they have a long way to go until they reach second-place Seattle, the Dash are right in the mix. If they keep winning, they’ll continue to trend up.
- What happened with Seattle? Instead of starting Megan Rapinoe, the Seattle Reign elected to use Beverly Yanez. The move proved successful, with a goal from Yanez, and it was expected; Seattle had just featured this past weekend and Rapinoe had just returned from injury. However, Morgan Andrews should have started in place of Nahomi Kawasumi. Just like Rapinoe, Kawasumi isn’t getting any younger and started last weekend. Everyone needs a break.
"It just shows the sheer fight and the character that we have on this squad." – @racheldaly3#DashOn pic.twitter.com/jRp0rdU4jw
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) May 24, 2018
