Groom’s goal not enough as 2nd-half lead dissolves
The Dash lost to FC Barcelona 3-2 in the third-place match of the Women’s International Champions Cup on Saturday at Providence Park in Portland, Ore.
Barcelona took the lead in the 35th minute after Aitana Bonmati played a ball into the box for forward AnaMaria Crnogorcevic, whose shot hit the bottom of the crossbar and rolled to the far post.
An own goal Jana Fernandez, who attempted to clear the ball at the opposite post following a free kick by Rachel Daly, was the equalizer for Houston in the 48th minute.
The Dash doubled their lead in the 63rd minute after defender Jasmyne Spencer found forward Shea Groom at the near post. Groom’s header beat the Barcelona goalkeeper for her third goal of the tournament. Groom, who played at Texas A&M, leads all players with three goals in the Women’s International Champions Cup after scoring twice Wednesday against the Portland Thorns.
Alexia Putellas scored on a penalty kick to bring the game level at 2-2 in the 72nd
minute after a foul by Dash defender Megan Oyster in the 71st minute.
Barcelona, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners took the lead six minutes later after Putellas’ shot from outside the box beat the Dash goalkeeper at the near post.
Dash goalkeeper Jane
Campbell was called into action in the 27th minute when she punched Patricia Guijarro’s effort out of play. Campbell finished with nine saves against Barcelona.
Forward Michaela Abam entered the game in the 67th minute, and 20 minutes into her shift, the Houston native chipped a ball over the Barcelona goalkeeper that just missed the inside of the far post.
The Dash return to BBVA Stadium on Aug. 29 to host Racing Louisville FC. This will be the first meeting between both teams in Houston and the second meeting of the regular season.