Houston Dash vs Portland Thorns Final Score: Dash hang on against Portland for 1-0 victory

The Houston Dash defeated the Portland Thorns 1-0, in a thriller in front of 14,409 supporters at Providence Park in Portland, Ore on Saturday night.

While Jessica McDonald scored the lone goal for the Dash, goalkeeper Bianca Henninger was the star of the match. Henninger faced a barrage of shots all the way down to the wire, to keep the Thorns from finding an equalizer. Portland's offense had no trouble creating chances firing a commanding 21 shots in Henninger's direction. However, the Thorns couldn't buy a goal when they need one the most. The loss marks the second straight game Portland's leading goal scorers Mana Shim and Allie Long have been held scoreless.

Jessica McDonald's goal in the 24th minute, came off a great feed from Kealia Ohai. After beating Thorns defender Emily Menges, Ohai made a blazing run down the left flank and crossed a ball to McDonald who made no mistake finishing off the play with her first goal against her former club. Portland traded McDonald to the Dash during the 2015 NWSL College Draft in exchange for a draft pick.

A minute before the Dash goal, the Thorns had their best chance of the night. Genoveva Anonma fired a cross redirected on goal by forward Sarah Jackson. Henninger made the point-blank save and made a diving stop on Kendall Johnson's rebound attempt.

Next up, the Dash travel to Yurack Field to take on Sky Blue FC next Sunday. While the Thorns will look to rebound as they go on the road to face the Washington Spirit next Saturday.

Portland Thorns FC (2-2-2; 8 points) vs. Houston Dash (2-2-2; 8 points)

May 23, 2015 — Providence Park, Portland, OR

Goals by Half 1 2 F Houston Dash 1 0 1 Portland Thorns 0 0 0

Scoring Summary: HOU: Jessica McDonald (Kealia Ohai) 24'

Misconduct Summary: HOU: Toni Pressley (caution) 86'

Lineups:

Houston: Bianca Henninger, Jen LaPonte, Nikki Cross, Toni Pressley, Ella Masar (c), Melissa Henderson (Ellie Brush, 76'), Brittany Bock, Rachel Axon, Cami Privett (Jordan Jackson, 90+), Kealia Ohai, Jessica McDonald

Portland: Michelle Betos, Emily Menges, Kat Williamson (c), Alyssa Kleiner, Genoveva (Ayo) Añonma (Taylor Comeau, 77') Sinead Farrelly, McCall Zerboni, Johnson, Allie Long, Mana Shim, Sarah Jackson (Kelsey Haycock, 63')