Late goals could haunt playoff chances

While the Dash’s season has taken a turn for the better since the return of seven Olympians, one glaring problem remains.

In their current threegame unbeaten run, they have conceded five goals from a winning position. It has cost them two points in the standings, which may end up being the difference in making the playoffs or not.

Locking down defensively during the second half could be especially tough Wednesday, when Houston (5-8-4) visits second-place Portland Thorns FC (9-3-5).

“Right now, it is youth, and it’s all mental,” Dash coach Randy Waldrum said. “We’re just not staying laser-focused and tuned in. We have conceded late goals on several occasions this year. As we grow as a team, you want to set that standard that once you get your lead, teams aren’t getting back. It is part of our growth. We just haven’t gotten there yet.”

The Dash led Western New York 1-0 and then 2-1 on the road on Aug. 27 but left with a 2-2 draw. They scored three goals against Boston but conceded one after that. They again took a 3-0 lead against the Orlando Pride on Saturday but eventually teetered on the precipice of disaster by conceding two goals in the final 10 minutes.

Even during their recent scoreless streak, the Dash conceded only one goal each game.

Since the return of Olympians Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian, Janine Beckie, Poliana and Andressa, the attack has been much improved.

That means they can play a better version of the high-pressure and attackminded style Waldrum desires. When they play that way, however, they are more likely to concede goals.

“We need to do better,” defender Becca Moros said. “Individual goals we’ve looked at, and there are definitely things that need to be done better regardless of the style of the team. We’ve lost games in the late minutes. That is clearly something we need to do a better job with.”