Houston Dash Draws Angel City FC in NWSL

Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell looked invincible Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Campbell made five saves to earn his NWSL-leading fifth shutout as the Dash and Angel City FC played to a scoreless draw in Houston’s first home game since returning from the international break.

Campbell’s final stop in added time of the second half proved crucial as she made a goal-line save on Messiah Bright’s header to preserve the tie for Houston (3-6- 4) after the call has been confirmed.

The Dash failed to score in consecutive games for the first time this regular season. They are winless in their last two games after picking up their first victory at home against North Carolina, 3-0 on May 24.

Paige Nielsen, Sarah Puntigam and Michelle Alozie had shots for the Dash in the first 17 minutes of the game, but none threatened Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haračić.

Angel City’s Alyssa Thompson (3-6-3) recorded the first shot on target in the 28th minute. But Campbell saved Thompson’s right-footed shot from the right side of the box, high in the center of the goal.

Jasmyne Spencer made three of Angel City’s nine shots in the first half, including two in stoppage time, while four Dash players had one shot each.

Angel City kept their foot on the gas to start the second half as they were awarded a penalty due to a Tarciane handball. But Campbell, the current saves leader and 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, saved the Brazilian defender by stopping Angel City top scorer Claire Emslie’s right-footed shot in the bottom corner left in the 55th minute.

Bárbara Olivieri did her best to ignite the Dash 25 minutes into the second half, firing two shots just five minutes apart, the last of which flew over the crossbar.

Campbell, who is tied with three others for the most shutouts in the league, stretched to make a one-handed save on MA Vignola’s header from the center of the box in the top center of the goal in the 88th minute.

Angel City outshot the Dash 14-9 with a 5-1 advantage on penalties. Angel City had 58% possession. Haračić made a save for Angel City.

The Dash will host San Diego Wave FC and former Dash player María Sánchez in NWSL action at 6:30 p.m. next Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.