Houston Dash fall to NC Courage 5-1 to start 2024 season

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA (March 16, 2024) The Houston Dash kicked off their 2024 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) campaign with a challenging road fixture against the North Carolina Courage, ending in a 5-1 loss for Houston.

The Courage seized an early advantage in the 19th minute after a video assistant referee intervention led to a handball call against a Dash defender. Malia Berkley calmly converted the resulting penalty to give North Carolina the lead.

Despite the Dash's efforts to mount a comeback, North Carolina extended their lead in the 55th minute through forward Haley Hopkins, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to find the back of the net.

Houston found a glimmer of hope in the 65th minute when a cross from forward Maria Sanchez (shown above) inadvertently deflected off North Carolina's Kaleigh Kurtz and into the goal, marking the Dash's lone score of the match.

However, the Courage proved relentless, adding to their lead with goals from Bianca St-Georges and Dani Weatherholt in the 77th minute and second-half stoppage time, respectively.