Today at BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas is the 2017 opener for the Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars, much like the 2016 year opener. The Houston Dash will be hoping for a better year and will be aiming to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Head coach Randy Waldrum signed three defensive players in the off season. Former captain of the Brazilian Women’s National Team Bruna Benitas, also Janine Van Wyk and defender Claire Falknor. Today the midfielder for the Dash, Morgan Brian will be out because of an injury. This is the fourth season in the NWSL for the Dash, with playoff hopes this year.
The Houston Dash started off strong, with a goal in the 15th minute of the game by captain #7 Kealia Ohai, with assist from #12 Amber Brooks. The Red Stars have had several corner kicks, but the Dash have been able to keep them from scoring. The Dash’s goalie, #18 Lydia Williams, has saved some difficult goals attempts. The Chicago Red Stars was issued a yellow card in the 29th minute to #4 Alyssa Mautz. This only shows the game is physical today, both teams are playing their best soccer today. At the end of the first half, Houston Dash 1 and Chicago Red Stars 0.
The start of the second half started with both teams being aggressive, both teams taking the ball from one another. The Dash’s #4 Bruna Soares was issued a yellow card in the 56th minute. In the 67th minute the Dash made a substitution with #16 Janine Beckie coming off and #8 Claire Falknor coming in. The Red Stars also made a substitution in the 78th minute #2 Jennifer Hoy coming off an #19 Summer Green. The Dash scored in the 80th minute by #3 Rachel Daly, assist #7 Kealia Ohai, making the score Dash 2 and Red Stars 0. The Dash made another substitution in the 88th minute, #7 Kealia Ohai coming off and #23 Cambria Privett. There was a 3 minute stoppage time added to the second half with the score still Dash 2 and Red Stars 0. The player of the match was #7 Kealia Ohai.
Santos Hernandez, Writer
Bigshots Snapshots Media Group 