Jessica McDonald and Kealia Ohai scored on either side of halftime and the Dash recorded consecutive shutouts for the first time, beating the Flash 2-0 on Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The Dash pushed their club-record unbeaten streak to five games and denied the Flash a chance to get over .500 for the first time this season.
The Dash were the better side for much of the night and it was McDonald who had a golden opportunity in the 25th minute but her curling shot was tipped by Flash keeper Chantel Jones and off the post.
In the 39th minute McDonald did not miss. The Flash conceded space in the middle of the park and Ellie Brush drove a long ball near the penalty spot. McDonald got a head to it and sent in her fifth goal of the season with a perfectly placed finish.
The Flash’s best chance to equalize came in the 58th minute. Jasmyne Spencer found herself open a step inside the mark but her redirection was shanked hopelessly over the goal.
Ohai then doubled the lead in the 63rd minute. She received a ball near the top of the box and turned to move to her right. Jaelene Hinkle and Brittany Taylor were both there for the Flash but they both dropped off leaving Ohai just enough space to shoot to the far post, eluding Jones and scoring her third goal of the season.
Jones got even with Ohai in the 83rd minute after the Dash striker made an explosive run through several defenders before having her shot saved. Allie Bailey ran onto the rebound but had to take a touch to get a shooting lane and her shot was also stopped by Jones.
The Dash though, held on for the 2-0 win, moving them to 3-2-4 (13 pts) and third place on the NWSL table. They visit the Spirit next Saturday. The Flash (3-4-1, 10 pts) remained in 8th place and are in Boston next Sunday.
