The Houston Dash dropped their third straight match in a 1-0 loss to Seattle Reign FC at Memorial Stadium on Sunday.
After an hour of scoreless action, Seattle netted the lone goal of the match in the 66th minute. Reign FC midfielder Havana Solaun received a pass from Jess Fishlock and blasted a strike from outside the box, past a diving Lydia Williams for her first professional goal. Solaun missed the entire 2015 regular season due to injury.
Williams was the lone bright spot for the Dash. She continued her terrific play this season, contributing key saves against Seattle's vaunted attack to keep the match close. The Dash keeper made herself a save of the week candidate with her incredible stop on Seattle midfielder Keelin Winters in the 62nd minute. Winters received a corner kick from Lauren Barnes and headed the ball towards the open goal, but Williams dove to her right and tipped the ball just over the bar for a spectacular one-handed diving save.
Houston’s offensive troubles continued against Seattle as Solo held the Dash scoreless. Houston's attack picked up late in the match following Soulan's goal, but the Dash were unable to net an equalizer before the final whistle.
Morgan Brian came close to an equalizer in the 71st minute. Brian drove a low shot from distance on goal and Solo matched her efforts, diving to her right to make the stop.
With the loss the Dash drop to eighth place in the standings, seven points behind the Washington Spirit for the final playoff spot. Seattle also improved to a perfect 6-0-0 franchise record against Houston.
The Dash will look to rebound next week against FC Kansas City at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 19th.
FT: Dash fall to the Reign 1-0.#SEAvHOU
— Houston Sass (@HoustonDash) June 13, 2016
80' Dash substitution: Ochs in for Chapman. #SEAvHOU
— Houston Sass (@HoustonDash) June 13, 2016
77' Dash substitution: O'Sullivan in for Beckie. #SEAvHOU
— Houston Sass (@HoustonDash) June 13, 2016
66' Solaun's long-range shot beats Williams at the far post. Dash 0-1 Reign #SEAvHOU
— Houston Sass (@HoustonDash) June 13, 2016
Dash Starting XI:Williams; Poliana, Roccaro, Brush, Chapman; Brooks, Andressa, Brian; Ubogagu, Beckie, Ohai #SEAvHOU pic.twitter.com/qnlbds8bLU
— Houston Sass (@HoustonDash) June 12, 2016