With the NWSL playoffs just around the corner, tonight the Houston Dash hosted Seattle Reign at their last home game at BBVA Compass Stadium. Since both teams will not be participating in the 2016 NWSL Playoffs this was their last game of the season and they both wanted to finish off well.
Dash comes out strong with goals
Within the first minute, Manon Melis took a shot on goal, which Dash goalkeeper Lydia Williams saved well. The Reign continued to have several more opportunites throughout the opening minutes.
As Morgan Brian and Megan Rapinoe collide outside of the box, no foul was called. While the Reign players came together, Beverly Yanez sent a cross in towards the box, but goalkeeper Williams got a hold of the ball.
In the 39th minute, Kealia Ohai crossed from the left with a shot that went just over Reign goalkeeper Hayley Kopmeyer. This gave the Dash a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, Houston went up 2-0. Carli Lloyd cut the ball in front of Kopmeyer and scored with her left showing great individual skill.
Reign fights back in the second half
Jessica Fishlock crossed from the half to Manon Melis. Melis then used her pace to out run the entire Dash defense. Her first touch sent the ball up and over the Dash goalkeeper to cut the lead in half. This goal allowed the Reign to grow in confidence.
In the 64th minute, Houston got a free kick after the ref called a foul from Rumi Utsugi. While Utsugi did not intentionally clip Janine Beckie's heels on her run, it was a foul nonetheless. The Dash had a nice attempt on goal, but unfortunately with no one to followed it up.
After a play on the Dash's side where a pass was made between the referees feet, Fishlock crossed to Kim Little in the middle. Little then proceeded to finish the cross with a goal that went between the goalkeepers legs to tie up the score in the 75th minute.
Carson Pickett made a run to the left side of the field. She sent a good cross to Yanez who made no mistake with her finish, giving the Reign a 3-2 advantage.
Houston Dash seeking out a goal
In an attempt to score in the final countdown of the second half, the Dash had several opportunities within the box, but the Reign defense was quick to switch the field as they dominated possession over the ball.
The referee added three minutes of stoppage time and the Reign defense continued to do an excellent job in clearing the ball out and dismissing the plays of the Dash within the box.
As the final whistle blew, the Reign were able to hold on to the 3-2 victory as they coming back from two goals, scoring three in the second half. Although the Dash had possession within the first half, the Reign were able to come back as Yanez scored the winning goal.
Reign take home the final victory
Despite being scored on twice within the first half, the Reign were able to come back and dominate with a 3-2 victory. Even though both teams won't be participating in the playoffs, the Reign finished out strong with an incredible victory.
Stay tuned for the playoff games between the. Chicago Red Stars - the Washington Spirit on Friday, September 30, at 8pm ET. On Sunday, October 2, the Western New York Flash will face the Portland Thorns at 5pm ET.