Houston Dash forward Kealia Ohai starts 2017 with a bang

Photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch
Special Correspondant for TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 16, 2017) Kealia Ohai and the Houston Dash opened the 2017 season with a 2-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars on their own pitch at BBVA Compass Stadium. The win marked the second consecutive season that the Dash have begun with a win over Chicago.

Ohai, the fourth year forward and captain of the Dash picked up in 2017 where she left off in 2016. The goal although the first of the new season marked the twelfth goal in her last eleven games dating back to last season.Ohai broke in behind the defense in the 15th minute of play on Saturday to get into the scoring column.

“As a staff we were talking about the importance of K (Ohai) getting off to a good, quick start this season,” said Dash head coach Randy Waldrum of his forward. “One of the biggest differences I see in her is that she is just so much more confident. Her confidence is sky high right now. You can see by the game, she was just tearing it up and down the line. They (Chicago) just couldn’t contain her. We just need her to keep putting it together.”

The talented forward continued her brilliant play in the 80th minute as it was her pass that found its way through the box to Rachel Daly who unleashed a curling shot that rippled the nets for a 2-0 lead.

Ohai and the Dash look to continue their start and overcome the road woes that has plagued them in their three seasons in the NWSL as they travel to Seattle to face the Reign FC in an 8:00pm CDT match on April 22, 2017. The match will stream on go90.com.