Houston Dash Close Two-Game Road Trip with Loss to Washington Spirit

 

Photo by Houston Dash

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 15, 2024) – The Houston Dash closed a two-game road trip with a 3-0 loss to the Washington Spirit at Audi Field earlier today.  

 

Washington took the lead in the seventh minute after a penalty was awarded to the Spirit. Referee Matthew Corrigan consulted video assistant referee Adorae Monroy to confirm a handball inside the box. Ashley Hatch converted from the spot after the lengthy review.  

 

The Spirit doubled their lead in the 26th minute following a cross from Trinity Rodman into the box that found Hatch in the heart of the box. The forward guided the ball toward the back post for her second goal of the match. Washington added to their lead in the opening moments of the second half following a goal from Rodman. 

 

Today’s match marked the return of forward Ryan Gareis, who made her first appearance of the season following her return from maternity leave.  

 

Dash captain Jane Campbell made her first save of the match in the 23rd minute when she denied Gabrielle Carle at the near post. The Dash goalkeeper finished with five saves against the Spirit. 

 

Moments later defender Paige Nielsen made back-to-back clearances to deny the Spirit offense. Nielsen played in Washington from 2019-2021 and won the NWSL Championship with the Spirit in 2021. The defender finished with five clearances against the Spirit. 

 

Defender Jyllissa Harris earned her second consecutive start of the season, and the University of South Carolina alum forced a save in the 44th minute following a free kick. Midfielder Elin Rubensson found Harris inside the box, but her header was handled by the Spirit goalkeeper. 

 

Defender Allysha Chapman made her first regular season start in more than a year following her return from maternity leave. The defender finished with three clearances and one interception in 45 minutes of action.