Houston Dash closes two-game streak at Shell Energy Stadium with loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC

HOUSTON (May 8, 2024) – THE Houston Dash lost to the defending NWSL champions 1-0 earlier this evening at Shell Energy Stadium. It was the first time Houston had been held scoreless at home since the home opener in March.

Gotham took the lead in the eighth minute following a save by Dash’s goalkeeper Jane Campbell. The Dash goalkeeper denied Ella Stevens’ initial effort from the penalty area, but the ball fell to Lynn Williams for the only goal of the game.

Defensively, Paige Nielsen led the team with 13 punts against Gotham and had three interceptions. Midfielder Sophie Schmidt And Michelle Alozie each finished with six digs against Gotham earlier in the day.

Rush forward Diana Ordonez hit Houston’s first shot on target of the game. The game started in the third minute when Dash midfielder Andressa forced a turnover at midfield. The Brazilian playmaker then found Ordóñez in stride as she sprinted down the left flank, but her shot was handled by the Gotham keeper.

Campbell was called into action again in the 39th minute following a Gotham corner, but stopper Dash was well placed to deal with Williams’ header. Campbell finished with four saves against Gotham tonight, bringing his season total to a league-leading 44 saves.

In the 41st minute, Katy native Barbara Olivieri and starting midfielder Sophie Hirst combined for a first touch combination in Gotham’s half to create space for the forward Ramona Bachmann. The Swiss international found space behind the Gotham backline, but the Gotham goalkeeper beat her to the ball to quell the danger.

Schmidt nearly scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute after the ball was deflected by Gotham’s Delanie Sheehan toward the goal. Schmidt was able to recover the ball and fire an open shot on goal, forcing Beger to make the save. The rebound went to Schmidt for a second opportunity that was eventually cleared by Gotham.

Houston’s final chance of the game came in transition during the final minutes of the second half. Alozie took a throw-in to Ordóñez in the process, but his cross towards the near post was taken by Berger.

The Dash will close out the week in California by taking on Angel City FC at BMO Stadium on Sunday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, May 17 to host the Portland Thorns at 7 p.m. for Pups at the Pitch, presented by College Ave. Tickets for this match are available here.