Draw dampens Daly’s milestone
As the end of the season gets closer, the problems that need to be fixed become magnified. Unfortunately for the Dash, the same problem keeps popping up.
They cannot stand prosperity.
For the second game in a row, the Dash conceded a late goal and turned what could have been a win into a 1-1 draw Friday night at BBVA Stadium.
This time the opponent was the Chicago Red Stars. Last weekend, the opponent was the Orlando Pride.
Winners of only one game out of their last eight, the Dash (6-7-5, 23 points) have now dropped 14 points from a winning position this season, which makes it stunning that Friday’s result actually pulled them into a tie for the last playoff position.
“It’s the same story as it has been the last couple of weeks,” forward Rachel Daly said. “I’m annoyed. I thought we played well enough tonight to take that win. It thought the same thing against Orlando. We play well. We play the game plan well, but, ultimately, it’s about the three points, and we didn’t get them so (I’m) pissed off.”
Chicago’s late goal spoiled what could have been a grand night for Daly, who scored in the first half to become the club’s alltime leading scorer in NWSL play. Her 29th goal broke a tie with Kealia Watt, who was on the field playing for the Red Stars (7-7-5, 26 points) when Daly scored in the 22nd minute.
The play on which Daly scored began with midfielder Kristie Mewis holding the ball deep in the Dash’s half of the field. Mewis hit a 50yard pass over the Chicago defense for Daly to run onto.
The ball landed about 30 yards from the goal, and Chicago defender Tierna Davidson got to it first. Daly was on Davidson’s shoulder, though, and muscled past her for the lead position as the ball rolled into the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Cassie Miller briefly came off her line but stopped on the 6-yard line. That opened up the net for Daly to hit it into the net on her first touch inside the penalty area.
“Obviously it’s important for me to hit these individual milestones, but it seems to happen on nights when we don’t succeed, so it’s quite annoying, bittersweet really,” Daly said. “(They’re) good accolades and something I can take with me, and obviously I’m always proud to represent the Houston Dash. It’s a club that I’ve been in for six years now, so obviously, I wear my heart on my sleeve for this club.”
The Dash took that 1-0 lead into halftime, and when the second half began, the Red Stars started to apply more pressure. Their tying goal came on a set piece in the 76th minute.
Dash defender Allysha Chapman had little choice but to foul speedy Chicago forward Mallory Pugh as she dribbled toward the penalty area. The foul occurred a step off the 18-yard line, setting up a dangerous free kick.
Chicago’s Danielle Colaprico took the shot and hit it on target. Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a diving save near the crossbar, but the ball went straight into the air inside the 6-yard box. Red Stars defender Casey Krueger got to it first for an easy header into the empty net.
It was a harsh ending to yet another game that began perfectly for Houston.
“This is costing us valuable points,” coach James Clarkson said. “We’ve dropped four in the last two games that would have put us in a great position. So it’s frustrating, but the effort and the commitment from the players tonight was excellent.”