CARY, NC (March 16, 2024) – The Houston Dash fell on the road 5-1 to the North Carolina Courage in the opening match of the 2024 NWSL regular season.
The Courage took the lead in the 19th minute after the video assistant referee reviewed and called a handball on a Dash defender following a sliding attempt to clear the ball. Malia Berkley was selected by North Carolina to take the attempt and converted from the spot.
North Carolina extended its lead in the 55th minute following a goal by forward Haley Hopkins. The forward found space behind the Dash backline to create space for a shot that found the back of the net.
Houston got on the scoreboard in the 65th minute following a cross from Dash forward Maria Sánchez that was deflected into the goal by North Carolina’s Kaleigh Kurtz.
North Carolina defender Bianca St-Georges added to the lead in the 77th minute and once again moments later after she capitalized on a clearance at the edge of the box. The Courage added a fifth goal in the ninth minute of second half stoppage time to extend their lead after Dani Weatherholt found the back of the net.
Foward Diana Ordóñez nearly scored the opening goal of the 2024 season after Sánchez found her fellow Mexico teammate inside the box. Defender Berkely did just enough on the defensive front to deflect the ball away from goal.
Houston nearly equalized in the 21st minute of the match after midfielder Sophie Schmidt was on the receiving end of a corner kick from Sánchez. Schmidt’s header was cleared by a diving effort from Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy.
Dash midfielder Andressa Alves was fouled hard along the touchline in front of the Dash bench in 41st minute of the match. After a lengthy review by the officials, North Carolina’s Denise O’Sullivan was shown a yellow card for the reckless offence.
Houston nearly equalized in the 52nd minute of a match after midfielder Belle Briede, who made her Dash debut, took a shot in the middle of the box. Briede’s shot forced Murphy to make another save.
Defender Jyllissa Harris, who made her first regular season start on Saturday evening, nearly put one in the back of the net following a corner kick delivery by Sánchez. Harris’ header was eventually handled by Murphy to quell the danger.
Rookie forward Avery Patterson made her professional debut on Saturday evening in familiar territory. The University of Carolina product played a full match and had four entries into the final third.
Fellow rookie Kiki Van Zanten also made her professional debut after coming into the match as a second half substitute. The midfielder applied pressure in the box on the corner kick that led to the own goal by Carolina.
The Dash will return home to Shell Energy Stadium for the first time on March 23 to host Racing Louisville FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the home opener are available HERE.
