Ella Masar's first goal of the season couldn't have come at a better time for the Dash, in Houston's 1-0 victory over the Boston Breakers Sunday night, in front of 6,842 supporters at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Head coach Randy Waldrum's decision to play Masar at her natural position for the first time this season, helped reignite Houston's offense. The move paid off in the 34th minute. Jessica McDonald swung a ball to the far post and Masar slid a finish past Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Masar finished the goal with her trademark shirt off celebration and received a yellow card.
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) August 31, 2015
Houston outshot the Breakers 21 to 13, following Sunday's stellar performance Houston's last victory came on July 29 against FC Kansas City. Masar's game ascension to forward helped end Houston's four-match losing streak.
The loss marked the end to Breakers subpar season in which the club finished in last place. Boston will have the No.1 pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. Boston's best chance of the night came in the 68th minute off the foot of Rafinha. The Brazilian midfielder launched a shot from distance but was stopped by Dash keeper Erin McLeod.
Carli Lloyd nearly put the Dash up two late in the second half on a 1v1 against Naeher. Naeher forced Lloyd to her left and made a diving stop to stonewall the U.S. forward.
The Dash close out the season next Sunday against the second-place Chicago Red Stars, in the final game of the NWSL season.
Houston Dash (6-8-5; 23 points) vs. Boston Breakers (4-13-3; 15 points)
NWSL Regular Season
August 30, 2015 - BBVA Compass Stadium
Goals by Half 1 2 F
Houston Dash 1 0 1
Boston Breakers 0 0 0
Scoring Summary:
HOU: Ella Masar 34'
Misconduct Summary:
Ella Masar (caution) 35’
Katie Schoepfer (caution) 89'
Lineups:
Houston: Erin McLeod; Toni Pressley, Alyssa Chapman, Ellie Brush, Meghan Klingenberg; Andressa, Morgan Brian, Carli Lloyd; Kealia Ohai (Melissa Henderson, 85’), Jess McDonald, Ella Masar (Camilla, 71’).
Boston: Alyssa Naeher; Lauren Lazo, Kassey Kallman, Julie King, Maddy Evans (Amy Barczuk, 73’), Rachel Wood; Suzane Pires (Katie Schoepfer, 62’), Kristie Mewis, Mollie Pathman; Stephanie McCaffrey (Rafaela, 55’), Kyah Simon.