Houston Dash drop consecutive decisions for first time in 2022

The Houston Dash dropped their first road match of the season. The 1-0 was disappointing in the manner in which it happened. The loss was especially painful as the fifth place Houston Dash depending how the weekend rolls could fall further in the table.

Perfection is a fickle thing as the Houston Dash found out on Friday night. It was bound to happen to a team that was unbeaten on the road in 2022 facing a team that had not won at home all season. Orlando's 1-0 win snapped a six game winless streak dating back to May 18th.

The Dash with seven regulars away on international duty could not find the right pace to control the run of play consistently. Contesting a match without its international players has always been difficult for Houston and Friday night proved no different.

Making matters worse, the only goal of the match was an inadvertent own goal. In the 79th minute, Carrie Lawrence played a clearance by Houston back into the box where it found forward Kylie Strom. Strom's header deflected off Houston defender Ally Prissock and under the arms of Dash keeper Jane Campbell. The tough luck marker capped a night in which Campbell was forced to make six saves.

Interim head coach Sarah Lowdon's post game comments said it all.

"We weren't good enough tonight. That's the bottom line."

Houston managed just two shots on goal against their former keeper Erin McLeod. The former Canadian international made one stop in each half. It was the first time since June 7th that Houston was held scoreless on the road. Attack minded defender Ryan Gareis shared her thoughts about the lack of offense and her role in it.

"I know going in, being more of an attacking-minded player, it was my role to go in to test the back line, keep the ball, get the ball into the box and drive back their backline. I knew that was my role and I tried to execute that as much as possible, I think 100 percent, I could've done a way better job with that."

Houston will have a week to forget and regroup before welcoming the Chicago red Stars to PNC Stadium on July 16th. Kick-off is slated for 7:30pm CT.