Dash winless in seven
5 kicks from Houston Dash's 0-1 loss to Chicago Red Stars
The Houston Dash fell 0-1 to the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night. The result extends a winless streak of seven matches and a losing streak to three consecutive.
Here are five observations:
1) Winless without Daly
The last Dash win came on May 11, 2-1 at Utah Royals, thanks to a Rachel Daly double. Coincidentally, that was also Daly's last game played with the team.
Daly was red-carded in that encounter before parting for the FIFA Women's World Cup where she was part of England's run to the semifinals. She served her suspension with this match.
The Dash have drawn three and lost four without Daly. They hope her return in the next match will provide the offensive spark needed to get back to the early season winning ways.
2) Long distance shot was the difference
A shot from outside the box by Chicago's Katie Johnson was the lone goal of the match and all the Red Stars needed to take home the full three points. The opportunity came off a turnover in the 7th minute.
3) Kerr contained
The NWSL scoring leader Samantha Kerr was kept fairly quiet on the night. Renowned as one of the world's best female players, Kerr has 9 goals and one assist this season.
Her last visit to Houston actually started the current Dash slump. Kerr scored twice early in the first half for a 2-1 Red Stars win.
She is regarded as one of the best female players in the world, arguably the best depending on who you ask. Had you told the Dash they would hold Kerr scoreless, they would have taken it and have expected a win.
4) Kizer one for the future
NWSL rookie Cece Kizer was one of the bright spots in the second half. The former Ole Miss soccer star came off the bench to provide a much needed spark in the attack.
While the equalizer never came, Kizer showed speed and tactical ability that could see her earn increased playing time.
5) Sellout crowd announced
The announced attendance for Saturday's match was of 5,327 spectators, the largest for a Dash match this year. The increased crowd is credited to the 713 sales promotion ($7 tickets, $1 hot dogs, $3 beers) and the post-FIFA Women's World Cup boost.
Next match: Saturday, July 20 at Washington Spirit (YahooSports.com)
