Houston Dash settle for draw against Portland Thorns

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 8, 2017) On Saturday, July 8, 2017, the Houston Dash led for the majority of the match, but had to settle for a one-all draw as the Portland Thorns scored in added time in the second half. The match, which began after a 90-plus minute weather delay at BBVA Compass Stadium pushed the Dash record to 4-7-2 (14 points) with the Thornes posting a 5-4-4 (19 points) record. 

It did not take long for the Dash to get on the scoreboard, when midfielder Janine Beckie took an open shot from the center of the box. She drilled the ball past Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, off the cross from forward Rachel Daly. The goal was the first of the season for Beckie, who played her college ball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The assist was also the first of the season for Daly, who was the first England player selected in the NWSL college draft (in 2016).

Portland came back after halftime, playing a more offense game, trying to cut the one-goal deficit. They scored the equalizer in added time of the second half with midfielder Lindsey Horn nailed a free kick into the top 

Carli Lloyd was issued a red card
in added time of the second half.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

corner from 25 yards. Forward Carli Lloyd, who was serving as the Dash captain, was issued a red card for aggressive foul on Mallory Weber. When the Dash play the Washington Spirit on Saturday, July 15, they will be without the services of Lloyd as a result of the red card.

The Dash and Thorns will face each other twice more in 2017. Their next match-up will be on Saturday, August 5 and Saturday August 19, with both games occurring at Providence Park in Portland.