Visalli’s first career goal helps team above playoff line
Bri Visalli’s journey to playing time in the NWSL took her to a foreign land, but the winding path brought her to Houston and the Dash last season.
On Sunday afternoon, Visalli finally added the feather to her cap that had been missing — scoring a goal.
That was a highlight all by itself, but, for Visalli, it meant more that it came in a win. Her goal late in the first half sparked the Dash’s 4-0 road victory over Racing Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Ky.
Visalli was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in 2018 but never made the team. She went to England after that to play for West Ham United during the 2018-19 season and then Birmingham during the 2019-20 season.
The Dash (7-7-5, 26 points) signed her for the 2020 NWSL season, and she had made 23 appearances in all competitions before Sunday’s game. When she scored Sunday, she said she felt “stoked.”
“It’s been a crazy whirlwind, so it’s nice to finally see some of the work pay off, but, more importantly, what the team has accomplished,” she said. “The greatest thing about this is the team win that we had and how much it felt like everyone really contributed today. It’s a huge step forward in the right direction building toward hopefully a playoff run.”
Houston desperately needed a win. It had won only once in its last eight games and was entering must-win territory with six games left in the regular season. Sunday’s win lifted the Dash above the playoff line.
Visalli’s goal came in the 34th minute and featured some impressive skill. She used a step-over to get Louisville (4-10-5, 17 points) defender Brooke Hendrix on the wrong foot and then gently flicked the ball with her left foot to the inside. The move created enough time and space for her to hit a rightfooted shot just inside the near post from 15 yards away.
Scoring the first goal was nice, but the Dash did that in each of their previous two games only to leave with draws. Coach James Clarkson said the Dash likely would need to score two goals against Louisville to feel any sense of comfort.
Kristie Mewis delivered that second goal in the 43rd minute thanks to some great hustle by Nichelle Prince.
A 2-0 halftime lead was a little bit relieving, but Clarkson said he didn’t feel safe until it was 3-0. Katie Naughton provided the third goal in the 73rd minute when she hit in a volley following a scramble in front of the goal. Prince added the fourth in the 83rd minute.
“That’s a very important win for us,” Clarkson said. “Obviously, we’re trying to get into the playoffs. This is a huge three points for us. And the scoreline’s very nice. To keep a clean sheet and to score four goals is great, especially on the road. This sets us up nicely as we go into next week.”