The Houston Dash lost their first game back from the international break. After having a bye week, the Dash fell 3-1 to Portland Thorns FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. Although Sofia Huerta made a bang in her debut for her new club, it was still not enough for the Dash to earn any points.
Here are three things we learned:
1. The new kids will be just fine
Earlier this week, a blockbuster trade brought Sofia Huerta and Taylor Comeau over from the Chicago Red Stars, and earlier this month the Dash signed Clare Polkinghorne. All three started their first match for Houston: Huerta at center midfield, Comeau at right back and Polkinghorne at defensive midfield.
Huerta and Comeau put in the full 90 while Polkinghorne played 69 minutes. Huerta made her presence known in the midfield, creating plenty of chances as well as finding the back of the net to get one back for the Houston Dash. Comeau proved just how gritty she could get back fighting for the ball and working up and down the flank all night. Although Polkinghorne was a bit quieter in her new role, she proved to be in the right place at the right time, winning balls more often than not. The three new additions for Houston made their mark in their first match. Having them on board will do nothing but help the Dash for the remainder of season.
2. Chances are there
Although the score line may not reflect it, there were plenty of opportunities for Houston to equalize all throughout the match. The Dash put up a total of 17 shots compared to the Thorns’ 11. There were sparks of brilliance building up to the final third, but the execution fell just shy. Whether it be a shot off frame or a pass into defenders, Houston is just barely missing the mark.
The Dash also led in corners during the match with seven compared to the Thorns’ two. The service always somehow found its way to Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, though. The Dash have to find a way to convert on corners, seeing as they were able to win so many.
3. A little too well-rested
The Houston Dash had a 19-day break since their last game. After the league-wide international break, the Dash sat out of last week’s round of games with a bye. Although extra rest is great, it seems like they somewhat lost their rhythm after being away from playing for so long.
Of course it’s not their fault, but it was evident that they couldn’t quite find a rhythm throughout the match against the Thorns. Going forward with at least one game a week, the Dash will be able to find that steady rhythm of playing week in and week out.
The second half of season is in full swing now, and if they Dash want to make playoffs, they have to consistently keep earning points.
