Campbell stops Utah in knockout opener
For a club that had never qualified for the playoffs, the Houston Dash have never been closer to a championship.
Following Friday’s 3-2 win on penalty kicks in a 0-0 draw against Utah Royals FC at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, the Dash will face Portland Thorns FC in the Challenge Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
“I’m just really proud of the players, fantastic performance,” coach James Clarkson said. “It’s incredible to see them enjoy it, and we’ll let them enjoy it for the next couple of days. Then we have to get focused on Wednesday.”
Seventy minutes into Houston’s (2-2-1) tournament-opening match against Utah (1-3-1) in late June, its 3-1 lead suggested the Dash had become a more aggressive and efficient team. But Houston surrendered two late goals and ceded a draw in a result that cost points and invited some frustrations.
On Friday, the Dash seemed poised to avoid the defensive lapses that cost them in their first match. Houston allowed just four shots (two on goal) compared to 13 (five on goal) in June.
But that stinginess ran both ways and led to a discombobulated 75 minutes that became increasingly more physical in the final 15.
In the seventh minute, forward Bri Visalli appeared to be brought down by Utah goalkeeper Abby Smith inside the penalty area. Referee Danielle Chesky let Smith off with a yellow card and awarded a short free kick, which was blocked.
In the 39th minute, forward Nichelle Prince cut back to create space for a bending shot, but it bounced off the far post.
Both teams struggled to convert offensive sequences into threatening opportunities in the waning minutes of regulation. Chesky docked four players with yellow cards in the final 15 minutes — three of four went to Utah players.
“It was a clear red card in the first half. That would’ve changed the game,” Clarkson said of the foul against Visalli. “Too many fouls not given, too many things let slide. (Defender) Meg Oyster’s now in the hospital, she may have some fractured ribs.”
Per NWSL Challenge Cup rules, Houston and Utah skipped extra time and went straight to penalty kicks — making it only the second NWSL game decided by penalty kicks. Dash keeper Jane Campbell entered the game having saved nine of the 13 penalty kicks she’s faced in her career.
But Clarkson felt Campbell provided the decisive edge in a match between even teams. He was so confident in her, he said she was slotted to take the team’s fifth penalty kick. But it never came to that. Eights shooters in, with the score 3-2, Campbell pushed Houston into the semifinal when she saved Veronica Boquete’s shot, opening her arms and smiling before teammates swarmed her.
“I think she’s the best goalkeeper in the league,” Clarkson said. “She’s unbelievable at saving penalties, so whenever it gets to that stage, we have all confidence in her.”