Portland Thorns snap Houston’s six-game unbeaten streak

After a historic streak of six straight unbeaten matches, the Houston Dash fell 2-1 to the Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park in Portland. Portland’s constant pressure and attack led by forwards Tyler Lussi and Hayley Russo, not to mention the strong play from midfielder Christine Sinclair wreaked havoc against Houston backline.

Emily Sonnett opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a breakdown in the box following Meghan Klingenberg’s free kick. Amber Brooks skied her clearing header into the air and Jane Campbell failed to come off the goal line, Lussi headed the ball back across the face of goal and Sonnett tapped home her finish.

Carli Lloyd equalized for Houston in the 33rd minute.

Houston was awarded a penalty kick, as Caity Heap was clipped from behind by Lindsey Horan in the 18-yard-box. Lloyd stood over the ball and drove her penalty kick attempt into the bottom right corner. The goal marked Lloyd’s second of the season.

Allie Long missed an opportunity to put Thorns FC ahead 3-1 following the water break. Long received the ball inside the box and had an open look at goal but placed her 1v1 strike against Jane Campbell off the bar.

With the loss, Houston remains in sixth place in the league table with a 6-8-2 record. The Dash return to action next Sunday against FC Kansas City at BBVA Compass Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 CT.

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