The Houston Dash and the Seattle Reign played the second game of their home and home series Friday night at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston Friday night. The game was delayed an hour due to weather. Kickoff was originally scheduled for 8pm EST, but the game didn’t kick off until just a little after 9pm EST.
The Dash entered the match desperate for a win to make the playoffs for the first time in club history. The Reign had already locked up their second straight postseason appearance with their 2-1 win last week over the Dash.
The first part of the match was controlled by the Dash as they looked for the early goal to give them momentum. They were not able to find that goal because the Reign were playing solid defense. The field was not in the best condition as the far side of the field was saturated with water and it caused both teams issues throughout the first half.
The Reign got on the board first in the 42’ after a beautifully played ball from Lauren Barnes to Kim Little. Little was able to out run the Dash defense to create a one on one situation with Dash Goalkeeper Erin McLeod. Little calmly put the ball past an on rushing McLeod to give the Reign a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
The only real downside for the Reign in the first half was losing Beverly Yanez to injury. She was hurt about 20 minutes before half and had to be subbed off in the 36’ minute. After two minutes of stoppage time, the two teams headed to the locker room.
After the second half kickoff, the Dash looked to get the game back on level terms. They had plenty of good chances early on, but were unable to convert. The Reign slowly started taking control of the game in the second half and got on the board again in the 73’ after yet another goal from Little. Seattle almost got on the board again in the 76’ minute, but Merritt Mathias shot was just wide of the goal as she had McLeod beat on the shot.
With the Dash’s slim playoff hopes fading, they pressed to get on the board and make the game even more interesting. It was not to be as Little put the nail in the coffin with her third goal of the night in the 90’. Her goal came after some nifty footwork in the box as she beat four different Dash defenders and a diving McLeod to score the Reign’s second hat trick of the year.
After four minutes of stoppage, the game and Dash’s playoffs hopes came to an end.
The Reign now extends their lead in the standings to eight points with three games to go. With win in their next game this coming Wednesday night against the Boston Breakers, they will win their second straight NWSL shield. The Dash next game comes on Sunday, August 30th against the Breakers at home.