Houston Dash fall 1-0 to Chicago Red Stars

The Houston Dash fell 1-0 at home to the Chicago Red Stars on Friday night after a second half goal.

Houston had an early opportunity in the third minute when Dash forward Ebony Salmon pressured the right side of the court. Salmon played the ball upfield and found forward Ryan Gareis, whose shot was blocked by a Chicago defender. The Red Stars back line was able to recover and clear the ball from the danger zone.

Midfielder Marisa Viggiano shot straight into the hands of Chicago goalkeeper Emily Boyd in the eighth minute. Viggiano scored a second strike in the same minute, which missed the inside of the near post.

Defenseman Ally Prisock nearly scored her second career regular season goal in the 14th minute when defenseman Caprice Dydasco found Prisock at the far post. Forward Ella Stevens blocked a Prisocks shot at the goal line.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a key save in the 19th minute after Chicago’s offense snagged the ball past Houston’s back line. Campbell played about seven yards from his line.

Houston almost scored in transition in the 38th minute when Gareis was able to run down near the sideline. Gareis’ pass into the box was just ahead of striker Diana Ordez, who followed closely behind.

In the fifth minute of the first half, Chicago’s Bianca St. Georges was able to pressure the Dash back line. Campbell made the first play and Dydasco cleared the ball from danger as the ball rolled towards the goal.

The Dash opened the second half with back-to-back shots. Striker Mara Snchez almost found Ordez in the middle of the penalty area. Boyd managed to smother the ball intended for Ordez before the Mexican international could get to the ball.

Salmon almost scored in the 56th minute when he fired straight at the goal. Boyds’ save slipped out of his hands, and Ordez, about two yards out, almost got to the ball, only to be handled by the Chicago goalie before the Dash could capitalize.

The Red Stars took the lead in the 69th minute of the match when striker Penelope Hocking scored after a misdirected ball.

Salmon had a chance to equalize in the 76th minute when Boyd knocked the ball out of danger following a corner. Salmons’ shot sailed just over the crossbar.

In the third minute of second-half stoppage time, Salmon and Dydasco almost equalized when Salmon made a perfectly timed run from close range. Salmons’ shot was blocked by a Chicago defender.

Houston will travel to Kansas City on July 22 to take on Current in the second game of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group stage at 7:00 PM CT. The Dash will return home to Shell Energy Stadium on July 29th at 7:30pm CT to host Racing Louisville FC for the final home game of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.