Nothing doing for hurt team
Missing three starters results in scoreless tie against Sky Blue
Not even the U.S. national team would be in great shape without regular starters Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian.
So when the Dash had to do it without the pair Friday night, it not surprisingly took some time to get going. But the Dash never got the attack going full throttle in a 0-0 draw against Sky Blue FC at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The Dash (1-1-1) expected to play without Lloyd, who sprained the medial collateral ligament in her right knee last week against Orlando. About one hour before Friday’s game, the team learned it would have to play without Brian, who aggravated a hamstring injury during training Thursday.
In addition to that, the Dash also was without defensive midfielder Amber Brooks, who was out of town to attend a wedding.
“We didn’t fully know (Brian) wasn’t going to play tonight. That was a shock to the system,” said rookie forward Rachel Daly, who missed several great opportunities. “Same with losing Carli. Amber is a key part of our team. Losing three huge players all in the same part of the field is very difficult.”
New faces
The absences opened the door for several season and club debuts.
Cami Privett had been playing center back throughout the preseason but took Brooks’ spot in the midfield. Caity Heap, who was signed less than two weeks ago, played the first half in place of Brian.
Irish international Denise O’Sullivan, who arrived in Houston on Sunday, subbed for Heap at halftime. Chioma Ubogagu also made her first start for the Dash.
The Dash finished with 20 shots to Sky Blue’s six. Seven of the Dash’s shots were on target.
“It’s disappointing not to get three points because you’re always trying to take care of business at home,” coach Randy Waldrum said. “I thought we were a bit unlucky. … We created enough good chances to get the win tonight.”
The Dash would have taken all three points if not for Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Caroline Stanley making two giant saves on Daly.
Stanley’s instincts and positioning shined when she denied Daly in the 70th minute. Dash defender Poliana kept a play alive in the offensive third and crossed it to Daly at the near post. Daly hit it true, but Stanley knocked it just wide of the post.
Near-miss for Daly
Early in the second half, the Dash had a goal waved off for offsides. Andressa passed to Daly on right side. Daly had plenty of space, but Stanley blocked her attempt. The rebound spilled to Kealia Ohai, who was ahead of the play when Daly shot.
“I was unfortunate tonight,” Daly said. “I got myself into good positions, but I have to finish them