Houston Dash explode for six goals against Sky Blue FC

With dire playoff odds after Tuesday loss to Seattle Reign FC, the Houston Dash exploded for a six goals in their 6-1 victory over Sky Blue FC on Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Six different players found the back of the net to lead Houston to its most dominant victory ever and sent fans home happy in following their final home match of the season.

Linda Motlhalo got the Dash on the board first with a 22nd minute goal. Rachel Daly’s made a long run towards goal but her 1v1 attempt was denied by Sheridan, the rebound fell to Motlhalo, and she launched a strike from outside the area to score her first goal of the season.

Veronica Latsko would double the lead for the Dash as the second half got underway. Sofia Huerta crossed the ball to Latsko who was at the edge of the six yard box. The forward headed the ball down and into the back of the net.

Irmani Dorsey got one back for Sky Blue FC to close the gap to 2-1, but that was the closest visiting team would come.

The Dash torched Sky Blue FC netting four straight goals to close out the second half.

In the 65th minute, Kealia Ohai made a long run down the left flank and floated a cross towards the far post. The ball fell behind Sheridan and Sky Blue’s defenders and Sofia Huerta volleyed a strike inside the far post and into the wide open net.

Two minutes later, Huerta was fouled in the box to earn a penalty kick for Houston. Rachel Daly struck the ball towards the far post and sent Sheridan in the wrong direction to convert on the penalty attempt.

In the 88th minute, Hayley Hanson volleyed Kyah Simon’s corner kick into the top corner to push the lead to 5-1.

Three minutes later, Thembi Kgatlana ended the one-sided contest by scoring her second goal of the season. Kgatlana made a long run from midfield and tucked a left-footed strike under a diving Sheridan and into the back of the net.

With the victory, the Dash move up to sixth place and just two points behind the fourth place Chicago Red Stars.

With only one game remaining, the Dash will need some help to earn the final playoff spot. The Red Stars still have two matches to play, a home contest against Sky Blue and the club will finish the season on the road against fifth-place Utah Royals FC

The Dash will close out the 2018 NWSL regular season against the North Carolina Courage on September 8th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.