Washington Spirit comes up just short in 2-1 road loss to Houston Dash

Washington Spirit  |   July 16, 2017
Washington Spirit comes up just short in 2-1 road loss to Houston Dash Featured Image

Houston, Texas (July 15, 2017) – The Washington Spirit fell 2-1 on the road Saturday night to the Houston Dash in front of a crowd of 3,332 fans at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Washington outshot Houston 21-19 for the game, but an eight-save effort by goalkeeper Jane Campbell and a goal in each half for the Dash proved to be enough to earn three points at home. Brazilian defender Poliana spotted Houston the lead in the 25th minute, scoring on a header assisted by Canadian international Janine Beckie.

In the 53rd minute, Houston added to its lead when Brazilian midfielder Andressinha fired a one-touch shot from outside the box, finding the net on a feed from English international forward Rachel Daly.

The Spirit cut the lead down to one in the 75th minute when defender Estelle Johnson netted her first goal of the season on a run through the box, finishing with a low shot inside the near post on a strike assisted by Havana Solaun.

“It was a frustrating performance and result,” said Spirit head coach and general manager Jim Gabarra. “I think we created plenty of scoring chances and played with a lot of energy especially in the second half, but at the end of the day we weren’t able to convert those chance into goals to come away with the three points.”

Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé notched six saves in the loss, including a highlight 20th minute stop on a point blank attempt by Daly.

Defender Caprice Dydasco led Washington with five tackles after coming on as a second half substitute. Canadian international defender Shelina Zadorsky tied with Whitney Church for the team lead with four clearances, and also led the team with three interceptions and two blocked shots. 

Midfielder Tori Huster led the team in passes for the second week in a row, racking up 44, closely followed by Argentine international Estefanía Banini with 42. Banini and U.S. international forward Mallory Pugh were the most active attacking players for Washington, each recording five shots, with three apiece going on target.

The Spirit will travel to the Pacific Northwest next weekend for a Saturday night match-up against Portland Thorns FC. Kickoff from Providence Park is set for 10 p.m. ET. The Spirit will play next at home on August 12 against the Boston Breakers. [TICKETS]

Houston Dash (5-7-2; 17 pts.) 2-1 Washington Spirit (3-7-3 12 pts.)
NWSL Week 13
Saturday, July 15, 2017 – BBVA Compass Stadium – Houston, Texas

Attendance: 3,332

Scoring Summary:
HOU: Poliana 4 (Janine Beckie 1) 24
HOU: Andressinha 2 (Rachel Daly 2) 54
WAS: Estelle Johnson 1 (Havana Solaun 2) 75

Houston Dash: Jane Campbell; Poliana, Amber Brooks (C), Janine van Wyk, Camille Levin; Morgan Brian (Caity Heap 46), Cami Privett (Bruna Benites 46), Janine Beckie; Rachel Daly, Andressinha, Nichelle Prince (Cari Roccaro 79)
Unused Substitutes: Denise O’Sullivan, Lydia Williams, Claire Falknor, Sarah Hagen

Total shots: 19
Shots on goal: 8
Fouls: 6
Offside: 4
Corner kicks: 7
Saves: 8

Washington Spirit: Stephanie Labbé; Estelle Johnson, Whitney Church, Shelina Zadorsky (C), Kassey Kallman (Caprice Dydasco46); Havana Solaun (Alyssa Kleiner 78), Tori Huster, Meggie Dougherty Howard, Estefania Banini; Cheyna Williams (Kristie Mewis  46), Mallory Pugh
Unused Substitutes: DiDi Haracic, Lindsay Agnew, Yanara Aedo, Arielle Ship

Total shots: 21
Shots on goal: 9
Fouls: 10
Offside: 0
Corner kicks: 9
Saves: 6

DISCIPLINE
HOU: Janine Van Wyk caution (foul) 59

OFFICIALS
Referee:                            Christopher Spivey
Assistant Referee 1:       Joshua Haimes
Assistant Referee 2:       Shane Kennard
Fourth Official:                 Diego Blas

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