After a thrilling weekend internationally with the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, the National Women’s Soccer League continued with the soccer-filled day on Saturday, with the Houston Dash surprising the Portland Thorns and Angel City FC taking on the KC Current for the first time ever.
Portland Thorns FC 0, Houston Dash 2
The Skinny: The Houston Dash surprised the Portland Thorns at Providence Park with a rare upset within the fortress, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet on the road.
One Key Moment: Both goals were solid, but Sophie Schmidt’s goal took the cake for goal of the game. Schmidt flew down the right side and cut back, passing the ball off to Haley Hanson. After a quick run behind Canadian teammate Christine Sinclair, Schmidt found herself wide open and fired a shot off a tough angle past Bella Bixby.
GOAL, @HoustonDash!! Sophie Schmidt laid it off, got it back and blasted it! Houston leads by two on the road! 
#PORvHOU | 0-2 | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/A1HEoSaqc4
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) May 21, 2022
#PORvHOU | 0-2 | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/A1HEoSaqc4— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) May 21, 2022
Inside the Game: The first half was fairly back and forth from both sides. Portland rolled out an unusual lineup to start, Natalia Kuikka and Sophia Smith starting on the bench. They ended up joining the match in the 46th and 65th minute, respectively, for Madison Pogarch and Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez.
The first half was close to finishing with zeros on the board, but Rachel Daly scored a first-half stoppage time goal. Daly ran into the box and cut her run back, sending Thorns defender Emily Menges flying and face down on the ground. Daly then forced Bixby off her line a little and shot low to the left side of the net.
GOAL, @HoustonDash! Right before the first half ends, it's Rachel Daly with the cut and strike! #PORvHOU | 0-1 | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/Gq7W6cqsjV
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) May 21, 2022
#PORvHOU | 0-1 | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/Gq7W6cqsjV— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) May 21, 2022
The Dash picked up a major three points on the road in one of the toughest places to play in the NWSL. Houston is riding a three-game unbeaten streak, tying with Racing Louisville last weekend and topping the Kansas City Current on Sunday, May 8.
Meanwhile, the Thorns have not picked up three points since their April 30 win over the Current. Portland drew in their last two matches against OL Reign and the Washington Spirit.
The Goals
- Houston Dash — Rachel Daly (Nichelle Prince), 45’+3′
- Houston Dash — Sophie Schmidt (Haley Hanson), 66′
— Rachael Kriger
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