The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Houston Dash
Soccer battles but drops 1-0 spring decision to the NWSL’s Houston Dash
03.09.2019 | Soccer
The Dash scored the match’s lone goal in the 24th minute of the first of three 30-minute periods
AUSTIN, Texas – Faced with the prospect of matching up against the Houston Dash, a pro squad out of the National Women's Soccer League, on Saturday afternoon at the Houston Sports Park, Texas soccer more than held its own during a 1-0 exhibition loss.
The Dash completed the 2018 campaign at sixth overall in the NWSL with a 9-10-5 overall record. With numerous standout players on their roster, including former University of North Carolina star Kealia Ohai, Canadian National Team stalwart Nichelle Prince and former Stanford goalkeeping All-American Jane Campbell, the Dash were coming off a 6-0 exhibition victory over Houston Baptist on Thursday.
Both teams managed spells of possession over the opening 30-minute period with the Dash managing the first shot (high) and corner of the match at the seven and nine-minute marks, respectively.
Texas junior goalkeeper Nicole Curry proved up to the task during the 18th minute, as the Dallas, Texas, native made an impressive save to tip a shot wide of frame and maintain the scoreless dead-lock.
The Dash eventually broke through with the match's lone goal during the 24th minute as Cece Kiser scored on a low shot to the bottom left corner of the twine.
Looking for an equalizer in the second period, Texas redshirt sophomore forward Tecora Turner made a strong run upfield before crossing a dangerous ball through the middle of the 18. Unfortunately, no Longhorns could get on the end of the feed.
At 12 minutes into the second period, Texas had a solid chance built out of the back as junior defender Atu Mshana played a long ball out wide. In the eventual possession of junior defender Emma Jett, she crossed into the middle to freshman midfielder Kailey Smith, but her shot attempt ventured wide.
Texas continued to ramp up the pressure during the second 30 minutes as senior midfielder Katie Glenn forced a save from the keeper in the 19' with the shot going out for a corner.
Over the next few minutes, sophomore midfielder Haley Berg, freshman midfielder Carlee Allen and freshman defender Cameron Brooks all had shots either blocked or travel wide.
With just one minute left in the second period, Smith played Berg through to goal, but Houston's keeper managed a point blank save to maintain the one-goal advantage.
During the final 30-minute period, UT couldn't locate the score needed to even things up as sophomore goalkeeper Savannah Madden was forced into action for the Horns on a couple of occasions, but handled her opportunities.
Texas 2019 Spring Soccer Schedule
Sat., March 2 at UTRGV W, 2-1 – Edinburg, Texas
Sat. March 9 at Houston Dash L, 0-1 – Houston, Texas
Sat., March 30 vs. LSU 2 p.m. CT (location: Bear Branch Sportsfield #7 – 5205 Research Forest Dr.
The Woodlands, Texas)
Fri., April 5 ST. EDWARD'S 7 p.m. CT – Myers Stadium
Fri., April 12 MONTERREY TECH 7 p.m. CT – Myers Stadium
Fri., April 14 HOUSTON 1 p.m. CT – Myers Stadium
