Dash Earn First Preseason Victory against University of Texas

The Houston Dash defeated the University of Texas 2-0 in preseason action on Sunday.

Head coach Randy Waldrum began the match with a starting eleven that featured many of Houston's projected starters. Ashley Nick and Kealia Ohai led the team in minutes both playing the first 79 before being subbed off for trialists Jazmyne Avant and Meagan Cushing.

After a scoreless first half, the Dash opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Ohai sped through the Longhorn defenders into the penalty area and played across to Melissa Henderson, who placed a left footed finish past Texas goalkeeper Abby Smith.

The Dash continued to put pressure on Texas defenders and Ohai's speed proved to be too much for the Longhorns. Ohai added to the lead in the 73rd minute, after she found herself alone in the box and tucked home Tiffany McCarthy's pass.

The win marked the first win of 2015 for the Dash who rebounded well from last week's 5-0 loss to the Dynamo Academy. Niki Cross and Stephanie Ochs both made their preseason debuts after returning from injury.

The 2015 NWSL season kicks off April 10 for the Houston Dash against the Washington Spirit at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston Dash vs. Texas Longhorns

NWSL Preseason

March 29, 2015 — Houston Sports Park, Houston, TX

Scoring Summary

Houston: Melissa Henderson 1 (Kealia Ohai 1) 55'

Houston: Kealia Ohai 1 (Tiffany McCarty 1) 73'

Houston Dash: Bianca Henninger (Jordan Day* 46); Ella Masar (Jen LaPonte* 77), Meghan Lisenby*, Niki Cross (Carleigh Williams 58), Stephanie Ochs (Lauren Silver* 46); Rachael Axon (Jordan O'Brien* 66), Jordan Jackson (Cami Previtt* 66), Ashley Nick (Jazmyne Avant* 79); Melissa Henderson (Allie Bailey* 72), Stephanie Roche (Tiffany McCarty 66), Kealia Ohai (Meagan Cushing* 79)

Texas Longhorns: Abby Smith; Aaron Stawser, Isabelle Kerr, Brinkley Field, Emilie Campbell; Lindsey Meyer, Julia Dyche, Morgan Murphy; Jasmine Hart, Chantale Campbell, Kelsey Shimmick

Substitutes: Cara Connatser, Keagan McCoy, Sydney Shutter, Quinn Zulkowski, Chelbi Orrick, Erin Geiger, Jalynn Barron, Mikayla Flores, Katie Gernsbacher, Ali Schmalz, Olivia Brook