Dash draw Red Stars in season opener

As the Houston Dash entered stoppage time with a one-goal lead against the Chicago Red Stars, the Dash looked poised to open the 2018 NWSL season with a victory.

Taylor Comeau’s equalizer goal in the 90+1 minute, however, ended Houston’s chances at earning three points in Dash head coach Vera Pauw’s debut. The Dash settled for a 1-1 draw against the Red Stars at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Houston.

Houston’s midfield of Kimberly Keever, Linda Mothalo, and Savannah Jordan led their revamped attack, as the Dash began the 2018 campaign without Kealia Ohai, who’s still rehabbing to regain the form she had prior to the ACL injury she suffered last season.

The Dash found the back of the net in the 38th minute. Jordan played a pass across the face of goal and connected with Keever at the back post to net Houston’s lone goal of the match. The tally marked the rookie’s first NWSL goal.

The Dash dominated possession against the Red Stars and outshot their opponents 12 - 5.

Chicago increased their attack late in the match in search of an equalizer. In the 86th minute, Red Stars midfielder Erin Yenney launched a strike from beyond the box that rattled the crossbar and Dash keeper Jane Campbell was able to make a save on the rebound attempt.

The Red Stars were without six players, as Vanessa Di Bernardo, Julie Ertz, Casey Short, Rosie White and Yuki Nagasato all dealt with injuries and Sam Kerr was absent on international duty for Australia ahead of the Asian Cup. The Dash dominated the limited Red Stars but were unable to hold on for the win.

Houston’s next opportunity to earn their first win of the season will be against the Utah Royals at BBVA Compass on Friday night at 7:00 CT