Houston Dash fall to Utah Royals FC, 3-1

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 31, 2024) The Houston Dash ended their four-game homestand with a tough 3-1 loss to Utah Royals FC at Shell Energy Stadium. This game marked the end of a six-game streak without a goal for the Dash in league play.

Utah took the lead just before halftime, in the 44th minute. Ana Tejada found herself in the right spot when the Dash defense failed to clear a loose ball. Although Houston defender Tarciane tried to block the shot at the goal line, the referee, Gerald Flores, awarded the goal to Utah.

In the 55th minute, Utah doubled their lead with a penalty kick. The referee reviewed a foul by Dash forward Bárbara Olivieri and awarded Utah the penalty. Claudia Zornoza stepped up and scored to make it 2-0. Shortly after, Paige Monaghan added another goal for Utah on a breakaway run.

The Dash fought back in the 73rd minute when Brazilian forward Andressa scored her first regular-season goal of 2024. Andressa found space behind Utah’s defense, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and calmly finished for her second goal of the year.

Houston had a few chances to score earlier in the game. In the fifth minute, midfielder Sophie Schmidt forced a save with a shot from outside the box. Then, in the 11th minute, midfielder Elin Rubensson’s cross almost led to an own goal by Utah, but it was ruled offside after a video review.

Despite some late opportunities, the Dash couldn’t close the gap. Tarciane’s free kick in stoppage time just missed the goal.

Next, the Dash will go on a two-game road trip, starting with a match against NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Jersey on Sept. 8. The game will be aired nationally on ESPN 2 at 12 p.m. CT.