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NWSL Houston Dash

Houston Dash cruise to 2-0 win over Western New York Flash

June 20, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Houston Dash News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dash had no let-down coming out of the Women's World Cup break, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season in a 2-0 win over the Western New York Flash at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Jessica McDonald scored her fifth goal of the season and Kealia Ohai added her third of the year as the Dash extended their unbeaten run to five games. Dash goalkeeper Bianca Henninger added her league-leading fourth shutout.

McDonald came close to the opening goal in the 25th minute, curling a shot from the top of the box that Flash goalkeeper Chantel Jones got a finger on, tipping it off the far post to keep matters scoreless.

The Dash broke through fourteen minutes later, however. Ellie Brush pushed forward on the right side and bombed a cross to the top of the penalty box. McDonald ran onto it and got a header away from 14 yards out, looping it just over the outstretched arm of Flash goalkeeper Chantel Jones and into the upper corner. McDonald's fifth goal set a club record for goals in a season, and it was Brush's first NWSL assist.

Western New York came out of the halftime break with more attacking intent, but never provided much for Henninger to deal with. Jasmyne Spencer tried a shot from distance in the 59th minute for Western New York's only shot on target, but Henninger didn't have to move to make the catch.

In the 63rd minute, Ohai provided the insurance goal. Melissa Henderson led a counter-attack for the Dash and found the forward at the edge of the penalty box. Ohai turned her defender, then picked out the far corner with a shot from 17 yards out.

The Dash held on comfortably for the remainder of the match, almost tacking on a third in the 83rd minute when Ohai picked up a cleared Flash corner kick. The speedy forward sprinted from the edge of her penalty area to the opposing goal, outpacing a group of defenders. Her one-on-one shot was stopped well by Jones, who then blocked the follow-up attempt from substitute Allie Bailey.

Houston travels next to take on the Washington Spirit next Saturday, while the Flash are on the road against the Boston Breakers on the following Sunday.

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