{"id":14049,"date":"2018-04-10T17:21:06","date_gmt":"2018-04-10T21:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14049"},"modified":"2018-04-10T17:21:55","modified_gmt":"2018-04-10T21:21:55","slug":"houston-dash-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2018\/04\/10\/houston-dash-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston Dash Together Now Y’all"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editorial – The Houston Dash situation with Christen Press wasn\u2019t dramatic. It\u2019s business. Kopparbergs\/G\u00f6teborg FC of Sweden may have offered a sweet deal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Houston Dash Together Now Y’all<\/h1>\n

The other clincher in the Press overseas venture was maybe the fate of the Dash this season. A new coach in Vera Pauw emphasizes defense. Young unproven potential and Kealia Ohai coming back for a torn ACL could have made Christen dream of championships in Europe. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can the Dash amaze their deserted world-class forward by being a team worth watching in 2018? Houston put on a stalwart effort in defense against last years\u2019 semifinalist in Chicago. Granted, The Red Stars didn\u2019t have their best players. <\/span><\/p>\n

Chicago Red Stars missing players says more about their depth in not defeating a rebuilding Houston squad. The Dash were able to control the flanks with fullbacks Rachel Daly and Kristie Mewis. The Red Stars had sloppily committed four fouls in the first 45 minutes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Houston\u2019s attacking produced three shots on goal. Could Press have poached a goal for a victory? The Dash\u2019s offense was silenced in the second half with one shot in total. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Red Stars had three total shots in the match that ended as a draw. Chicago had more possession throughout the game. They became serious, pushing goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher up to spark an offensive attack. <\/span><\/p>\n

The match went into stoppage time when a pass by Chicago midfielder Danielle Colaprico created a goal scoring opportunity for Taylor Comeau. Taylor\u2019s goal erased Houston\u2019s Kimberly Keever’s 38th-minute goal that had her hoping for three points. Savannah Jordan\u2019s assist turns potential into talent. <\/span><\/p>\n

Utah Royals FC have kept a ‘defense first’ reputation for the past two seasons. Houston’s second game against the Royals was physical on both sides. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Dash defense had trouble connecting to the midfield. South African International Linda Motlhalo roamed into the defensive third to retrieve the ball. Motlhalo was often thwarted by Utah\u2019s defense. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Royals were comfortable playing in the back. The Dash weren\u2019t aggressive enough in pressing the backline. Utah\u2019s patience led to some attacking on the right side. Houston\u2019s goalkeeper Jane Campbell had to work hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fouls were rare. The game was tense but not reckless. A beautiful defensive 0-0 game for the neutral.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hope Solo became a villain because of her personality. Megan Rapinoe kneeled. What Christen Press did was a sensible business model for a woman soccer player who can\u2019t live off here soccer earnings until old age. <\/span><\/p>\n

Press couldn\u2019t save Houston’s season. At best, the Dash can have the mindset of the former KCFC teams grinding wins by the defense. Even new Royals manager Laura Harvey wants the new Utah team to be attack-minded. <\/span><\/p>\n

Linda Motlhalo is 19 years old. Savannah Jordan is a rookie. Kealia Ohai may need a season to get used to playing soccer again let alone be an impact. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Dash are now worshipping the cliche of teamwork. Vera Pauw can be the biggest voice to make them believers. Faith will be tested being baptized in the Texas heat the Dash can\u2019t use to their advantage. <\/span><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>