The Houston Dash have turned their season’s fortunes around, securing their first home victory with a decisive 3-0 win against North Carolina Courage at Shell Energy Stadium. This win marks a significant shift for the team, which had not won at home in their first five attempts this NWSL season.
Turning the Tide
The Dash, led by coach Fran Alonso, demonstrated their evolving strategy and team cohesion in Friday’s match, breaking a three-game losing streak against the Courage. Ramona Bachmann and Bárbara Olivieri each netted their first goals of the season, and Diana Ordóñez added a third in the second half, solidifying the victory.
Match Highlights
The game kicked off with high energy as Michelle Alozie tested North Carolina’s defense with a powerful shot saved by Casey Murphy, marking her 300th career save. Despite several attempts, the first half’s breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Bachmann capitalized on an assist from Avery Patterson to score a stunning goal.
As the second half unfolded, North Carolina attempted to rally, but Houston’s defense stood strong. Olivieri extended the lead in the 67th minute, followed by Ordóñez, who scored her team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 78th minute, ensuring a comfortable win for the Dash.
Defensive and Offensive Stats
Houston’s offense was sharp, and their defense impenetrable, leading to Jane Campbell securing her fourth clean sheet of the season. The Dash executed six shots on target out of nine, while North Carolina managed three from thirteen. The possession heavily favored the Courage at 65%, but Houston’s tactical execution on counterattacks proved decisive.
Looking Ahead
The Dash are now ninth in the league standings, just three points behind seventh-placed North Carolina. As the season progresses, Houston looks to maintain this momentum. Their next match is against Racing Louisville FC on June 7, following the upcoming FIFA window.
Catch the Next Game
For fans looking to support the Dash in their next game or to catch future matches, tickets can be purchased online. Don’t miss the chance to see if Houston can continue their winning streak in the upcoming NWSL fixtures.
