Late rally not enough as Houston Dash fall to Orlando

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 17, 2017) The Orlando Pride wasted no time on the pitch, with the return of Marta Vieira de Silva and Camila Martins Pereira from international duty, as the downed the Houston Dash by the score of 4-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Saturday, June 17, 2017. The game also saw the return of Houston midfielder Carli Lloyd, who has been playing for Manchester City since the beginning of the season. 

Orando jumped out to a two-goal lead after 22 minutes. The first goal came in the 16^th minute when Camila nailed a shot from beyond the box. The second goal came six minutes later when Marta connected from the left side. The goal was the fourth of the season for Marta. After the rest of the first half, in which neither team showed much on offense, both teams headed to the locker room at halftime with the Pride leading 2-0.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

The Pride did not allow their momentum to lag in the second half. Marta added an insurance score in the 57^th minute from inside the box to the far post. Jasmyne Spence provided the assist, her second of the season. They continue to dominate the Dash, adding the fourth goal of the match on a header by Alanna Kennedy in the 68^th minute; off a corner kick by Marta. Houston finally got on the scoreboard late in the game on a header by Poliana, in the 89^th minute) and an inside-the-box shot by Nichelle Prince in added time.