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Different coach, same poor result.
The Houston Dash had zero answers for the Washington Spirit's attack and superior backline, as the Dash dropped their fifth straight match in a 2-0 loss on Saturday at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, MD.
Omar Morales made his debut as interim Dash head coach after Randy Waldrum's departure last week. The change, however, didn't make a difference on the scoresheet as the Dash failed to score for the third time this season.
After 70 minutes of dominant play, Mallory Pugh scored her first professional goal. On a counter-attack, Pugh received a pass from Kristie Mewis and slipped her strike between Lydia Williams legs and into the back of the net. At 19, Pugh is the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history.
70' - #WAS Goal - @MalPugh scores her first professional goal for @WashSpirit with assist by @KristieMewie. #WASvHOU
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 4, 2017
2 - 0 pic.twitter.com/UiuyJi5ocL
Kealia Ohai broke free via a Nichelle Prince through ball. The forward had a strong 1v1 opportunity against Stephanie Labbé. Ohai's final strike on goal was denied by Labbé’s leg. The forward was noticeably unable to create multiple quality chances, a departure in form from the previous match. As Houston’s best forward, it's no surprise her current five-game goalless drought matches the club’s losing streak.
In the 57th minute, Kristie Mewis nearly put Washington up 2-0, following a free kick attempt on goal. Mewis drove the ball through the wall and towards the far post, Lydia Williams dove to her right to make a key save.
57' - @WashSpirit's @KristieMewie drives the freekick low and through the wall but @HoustonDash's @lydsaussie with a huge save!!!#WASvHOU pic.twitter.com/PKUEN8fuGI
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 4, 2017
Washington opened the scoring in the third minute with a goal from Cheyna Williams. Havana Solaun played Williams behind Houston's backline to create a 1v1 opportunity against Houston's keeper. Williams tucked a right-footed finish into the far corner.
3' - #WAS Goal - @Cheynalee_ opens the scoring with a beautiful run and smooth finish into the far corner. #WASvHOU
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 3, 2017
1 - 0 pic.twitter.com/kRX4XIf5wg
With the loss, Houston's record falls to 2-6-0 and the club now sits at the bottom of the league table. Following the international break, the Dash return to action on June 17th against the Orlando Pride at BBVA Compass Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 CT.
FT: Spirit 2-0 Dash#WASvHOU pic.twitter.com/sv1KM0H5As
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 4, 2017
Lineups
Dash Starting XI: Williams; Levin, Roccaro, Brooks, Daly; Brian;
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 3, 2017
Andressinha, O’Sullivan; Prince, Beckie, Ohai#WASvHOU pic.twitter.com/CtWDj5pdmd
Check out our Starting XI for tonight's game! Watch on go90: https://t.co/1nn2XTAGsL #WASvHOU pic.twitter.com/LUojIKuToN
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) June 3, 2017