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The Houston Dash failed to earn three points in a physical contest against the first-place North Carolina at BBVA Compass Stadium. Kealia Ohai opened the scoring in the 49th minute. Ohai sprinted past Cari Roccaro down the left flank and struck her 1v1 attempt off Katelyn Rowland fingertips and into the back of the net. Ohai has changed Houston attack since returning to assist Rachel Daly’s efforts in the club’s counter-attack.
North Carolina was without six key players due to the recent US women’s national team call-ups ahead of next week’s friendlies
49' GGGGGOOOOAAAALLLL
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) June 4, 2018
Ohai dribbles past a Courage defender into the box and beats Rowland with a shot to the far post!#HOUvNC pic.twitter.com/AYTzEiIkM4
Houston, however, was unable to hold on to the lead, as Franny Crouse equalized for North Carolina in the 80th minute. Elizabeth Eddy played a cross into the box, the ball fell to Crouse and she struck a one-time strike past Jane Campbell. Her first NWSL goal leveled the score at 1-1.
Just a fun little debut for @ohyouFRANCY_huh, who does eventually get that equalizer for @TheNCCourage. All tied up!#HOUvNC | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/w3i6OBILzv
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 4, 2018
With the draw, the Courage remain unbeaten through their first 12 games with a 9-0-3 record (30 pts), while the Dash sit in sixth place with a 3-4-5 (14 pts).
The Dash will look to extend their unbeaten streak to four games when they return to action following the FIFA break on June 22nd against Portland Thorns FC at BBVA Compass Stadium.