NWSL Houston Dash

Houston Dash rally but fall 3-2 to Boston Breakers for first loss

Published on April 26, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Houston Dash News Release


BOSTON (Sunday, April 26, 2015) - The Houston Dash battled back from a two-goal deficit against the Boston Breakers at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium but conceded a late own goal to hand them their first loss of the season on Sunday evening.

Boston took an early lead in the 8th minute. A Rafinha corner kick wasn't cleared by the Dash defense and bounced freely in the box. The ball eventually fell to Julie King in a scrum six yards from goal, and the defender poked in her first goal of the year.

Boston doubled their lead just after the half hour mark. Stephanie McCaffrey used a burst of speed to beat Niki Cross in the box, then squared a pass to Nkem Ezurike for a low, first-time finish past goalkeeper Bianca Henninger .

Houston responded in the 35th minute, however. Kealia Ohai worked her defender on the left flank and sent in a cross the found the head of Jessica McDonald for a simple finish inside the far post. It was McDonald's second goal in as many games.

Houston pushed for the equalizing goal, but strong work in goal from Alyssa Naeher kept them at bay. Naeher dove to keep out two shots from U.S. Women's National Team teammate Morgan Brian that looked destined for the back of the net, as well as one-on-one stops against Tiffany McCarty and Melissa Henderson.

The Dash finally got the better of Naeher in the 68th minute, as Brian picked out a long cross-field pass to McDonald behind the Breakers defense. Naeher raced off her line but McDonald beat her to the bouncing ball, lifting it first time into the open net to level the game.

The joy was short-lived, though, as Boston regained the lead four minutes later. A long free kick from Boston's left flank floated into the Houston box. Henninger went for the catch, but the ball went just over her fingertips and deflected off the leg of Carli Lloyd at the back post and dribbled over the line.

It was the first defeat of the season for the Dash (1-1-1, 4 points) as well as the first win for the Breakers (1-1-0, 3 points). Both teams return to action next Saturday, as the Dash host FC Kansas City at BBVA Compass Stadium and Boston travels to face the Western New York Flash.

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