Van Wyk leads Dash to draw

After Meghan Klingenberg launched a corner kick into the area in the 81st minute, Lindsey Horan’s header looked destined for the back of the net. Janine Van Wyk had other thoughts as she leaped into the air and headed the ball off the goal line to save the match for the Dash.

After a strong defensive performance led by Van Wyk, Houston followed up on Saturday’s victory against Sky Blue FC with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Kyah Simon found the back of the net in the second half to level the score at 1-1 in the 56th minute. Veronica Latsko played the ball to Simon near the top of the box and the Australian international’s strike found the bottom corner for her first goal with Houston.

In the 66th minute, Houston nearly took control of the match. Mewis played a long ball to Veronica Latsko and Thorns FC keeper Britt Eckerstrom deflected the rookie’s header off the far post. While Portland dominated in possession 68.5 per cent to Houston’s 31.5 per cent, the Dash led 6 - 4 in shots on goal and forced Eckerstrom to make five saves.

Ana-Maria Crnogorčević opened the scoring with her first NWSL goal in the 25th minute. The Thorns FC striker found the back of the net following a scramble in front of goal.

With the draw, the Dash remain in seventh place and their record now sits at 1-3-3. Houston will return to action on the road against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night. The game marks Houston’s third match in seven days.