ORLANDO, FLORIDA (June 28, 2018) — Alex Morgan got the ball rolling, but the Orlando Pride defense fell flat.
Two late goals from Sofia Huerta and Kealia Ohai propelled the Houston Dash to a road victory over the Pride. Huerta’s goal is already her second with the Dash, as she was recently acquired through a trade with Chicago.
Sofia Huerta, Kealia Ohai Nab Late Goals in Houston Dash Win
Huerta has featured in both Dash matches since her arrival. Her goal was scored on a penalty kick, which Brazilian defender Mônica conceded.
As for Ohai’s goal, which is her third in 10 matches, Linda Motlhalo tallied the assist.
For Orlando, Morgan scored the opening goal in the first half. Pride defender Shelina Zadorsky assisted Morgan’s goal, which is also her third of the season.
“We were incredibly dominant in the game and probably should have come into halftime in a significant lead and finished the game,” Sermanni said. “The same in the second half. But, it’s a lesson tonight that you learn. In soccer, sometimes, one-nil is never safe. We didn’t get that second goal to finish [Houston] off to then ease the pressure on us.”
Sermanni went on to say that he can’t “really fault” the performance.
“We didn’t capitalize on the chances that we created and we got punished for being a little bit sloppy a couple of times,” he said.
Calm. Cool. Collected. 😎#DashOn https://t.co/s1AgLD8Kfd
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 28, 2018
Three Takeaways
- Dash are climbing, yet still under the radar: The move to acquire Sofia Huerta and Taylor Comeau from the Chicago Red Stars might have caused some attention to shift to Houston, but for the most part, the Dash remain under the radar. However, Vera Pauw probably doesn’t mind. Her side does have 17 points and fourth place (the last NWSL playoff spot) has 20. A postseason berth is not far out of reach.
- Pauw’s experiment paying off: Pauw made NWSL fans shake their heads and Dash fans worried when she rid her squad from Christen Press, Carli Lloyd, and Andressinha. However, the moves are paying off for Pauw, who has brought in players that she formerly coached at the national team levels. Call her crazy, but Pauw’s power moves are paying off.
- The upcoming tests: The Dash will visit the Pride again and the Seattle Reign before traveling up to Portland to face the Thorns. Don’t count the Dash out of either match. A collection of six points before Portland could shift the table.
Let it fly, K. #ORLvHOU pic.twitter.com/9K0dilINjS
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 28, 2018
