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After an outstanding scoreless six-game losing streak Houston’s offense finally awoke for a 3-0 victory over the first place Portland Thorns FC, Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium on Pride Night.
Houston’s offense which lay dormant over the course of their losing streak was ignited early in the match with a 7th minute goal from rookie forward Rachel Daly. Kealia Ohai made a long run down the wing and centered a pass into the middle of the box, Melissa Henderson whiffed on her attempt and Daly collected the ball in front of goal and blasted her strike off the crossbar and past Michelle Betos for Houston’s first goal since May 7th.
Daly’s early goal allowed Houston’s offense to finally play their own brand of soccer, unworried about having to come from behind or score a late goal in order to win the match.
Houston’s dominant performance continued in the second half, as Amber Brooks and Kealia Ohai both scored their first goal of the season. Brooks tipped home Becca Moros’ deflected shot in the 68th minute, while Ohai utilized her speed and made a terrific run past Portland's backline, placing her finish off the post and past the reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. Brooks goal marked her first career goal with the Dash.
Chioma Ubogagu nearly found herself on the board in the 73rd minute. Ubogagu blazed around Portland's backline and cut back past a final defender but her attempt at goal was stopped at point blank range by Betos.
Portland’s loss marked their second straight since starting the season on a 12-game unbeaten streak.
The Dash will look to translate their latest victory into another fine performance next Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars at Toyota Park.
FT: Dash 3-0 PTFC. Goals, points and Pride! #HOUvPOR pic.twitter.com/RwRdefEpYR
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 17, 2016
OHAI MAKES IT 3-0! The captain dribbled into the box past two defenders and beats Betos at the near post. #HOUvPOR pic.twitter.com/bk6nR9GSf0
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 17, 2016
68'GGGGOOOOAALLLLL! BROOKS SCORES HER FIRST GOAL WITH THE DASH! #HOUvPOR pic.twitter.com/xp3cItLmtW
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 17, 2016
DALY! GOAL! The forward collects a ball intended for Mel outside the six-yard box for her 2nd goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/029oNDQ0lN
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 17, 2016
Starting XI: Henninger; Privett, Brush, Roccaro, Moros; Brooks; Henderson, O'Sullivan, Ohai; Daly, Ubogagu #HOUvPOR pic.twitter.com/htizRTVzdH
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 16, 2016