Daly lifts Dash over Sky Blue FC

Rachel Daly’s near hat-trick effort saved Houston’s slim playoff hopes. The Houston Dash forward tallied a brace to lead the Houston Dash to a 2-1 victory over Sky Blue FC on Saturday night.

With a one goal lead and 30 minutes left in the match, Houston looked poised to earn three points but then things became difficult. Madison Tierany followed up Savannah McCaskill’s initial shot, with a strike into the open goal to equalize for Sky Blue in the 64th minute.

The Dash earned a penalty kick in the 77th minute after Daly’s cross was deflected with a handball inside the box. Daly converted the penalty sending Kailen Sheridan the wrong way with a strike into the top left corner.

A controversial moment came in the 27th minute as Daly’s header looked to cross the goal line but ultimately wasn’t called a goal.

The English international opened the scoring with a goal in the seventh minute. Kealia Ohai made a long run down the left flank and played a cross into the box. Daly tipped the ball over a leaping Sheridan and into the back of the net.

Sky Blue FC pressed late but were unable to find the back of the net before time expired.

With the victory, the Dash keep their playoff hopes alive and sit just four points (7-8-5 record) behind the Orlando Pride hold the fourth and final playoff spot with 30 points (8-7-6 record).

Houston will continue their playoff push next week against the Washington Spirit. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 CT.