Tymrak leads Royals over Dash

Despite a strong performance from Jane Campbell highlighted by a saved penalty kick, the Houston Dash failed to challenge Utah Royals FC falling in a 1-0 loss at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Utah dominated Houston in possession, 63.7 percent to 36.3 percent, forcing the Dash to rely on its counterattack to provide the bulk of its offense, however, Utah’s backline anchored by Becky Sauerbrunn prevented Houston from registering a shot on goal.

In the 51st minute, Erika Tymrak provided Utah with the game winner, netting the lone goal of the match. Following a failed Dash offensive chance, Royals FC midfielder Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir took advantage of Houston’s misplaced defenders and made a long run down the right flank. Kimberly Keever failed to get back into the play and Jónsdóttir picked out Tymrak with a perfectly weighted ball and the midfielder struck a one-hit strike into the far corner.

Tymrak nearly scored in the 16th minute, turning past Janine Van Wyk at the top of the box but fired her left-footed strike wide of the far post.

Campbell made four saves in the match none bigger than denying Diana Matheson’s penalty kick in the 37th minute. Amber Brooks fouled Amy Rodriguez from behind inside the box and Matheson stepped up to the take the penalty kick. Matheson launched her shot towards the right side of the net and Campbell dove in the correct direction to make the save.

Campbell also stopped a trio of scoring chances from Rodriguez to keep the veteran off the scoreboard.

With the loss, Houston remains in seventh place with a 1-4-4 record. The Dash will return to action on Wednesday night against Seattle Reign FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston has never defeated Reign FC in franchise history.