Latsko nets game-winner over Sky Blue FC

Houston Dash rookie Veronica Latsko netted the game-winning goal to cap a wild game against Sky Blue FC on Saturday night at Yurcak Field in Piscataway Township, New Jersey.

Latsko’s first professional goal led Houston to its first victory of the season. Kealia Ohai opened the game with constant pressure making strong runs down the left flank and exploiting her favorable match-up against Christina Gibbons. In the second minute, Ohai sprinted past Gibbons and fired a 1v1 shot on goal stopped by Kailen Sheridan.

Houston’s constant attack led to 11 shots and earned eight corner kicks in the first half.

Nichelle Prince opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Lindsay Agnew played a backheel to keep the ball in play and her fellow Canadian international, who tucked her quick finish into the open goal.

Houston’s backline kept former players Carli Lloyd and Janine Beckie under wraps but Katie Johnson and Sarah Killion led Sky Blue’s attack. Johnson’s brace nearly ruined Houston’s best game of the season.

In the 57th minute, Sky Blue forward Shea Groom burned Kimberly Keever with a down the right flank with a strong run and played the ball back across the face of goal. Johnson tipped the ball past Jane Campbell for the equalizer.

Two minutes later, Rachel Daly put the Dash ahead 2-1. Following a free kick attempt, Daly floated her cross towards the near post and caught Sheridan off her line. Sheridan misplayed the ball tipping it back into her own net.

In the 73rd minute, Sky Blue orchestrated a quick play on a short corner. Katie Johnson received a cross from Sarah Killion and flicked her header into the back of the net to level the score, 2-2.

Three minutes later, second-half substitute Thembi Kgatlana made a long run down the right flank and launched her cross to the far post. Latsko tapped home her finish into the back of the net to seal the victory for Houston.

The Dash finished the game with 17 shots to outshoot their opponents, 17-11. With the victory, the Dash now sit in seventh place in the NWSL with a 1-3-2 record.

Houston has a quick turnaround and will look to spark a winning streak on the road against Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.