The 2018 NWSL season is officially here, and all but Sky Blue FC take to the field in the first weekend of the league’s sixth season. Check out our coverage of all of yesterday’s action here
Houston Dash 1, Chicago Red Stars 1
The Chicago Red Stars snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat late in the sole Sunday and final match of the NWSL opening weekend. Missing many starting players due to injury and international duty, Chicago had trouble keeping up with the new-look Houston’s early press, and an impressive amount of activity in front of the Chicago goal paid dividends for the hosts in the 38th minute, when Savannah Jordan slotted a great ball to her left that reached the foot of rookie Kim Keever. All Keever had to do to divert the ball in the net was get a foot on it, and she did so decisively to put Houston up 1-0 going into the halftime break.
The second half was somewhat aimless from both teams, with Houston letting their foot off the gas pedal a little bit, and Chicago still struggling to string their defensive possession into anything truly dangerous in front of the host’s goal. However, with some good substitution moves (Sarah Gorden came on in the 60th minute to allow Arin Gilliland to roam more freely forward in search of the equalizer), Chicago was able to capitalize on a 90 minute set-piece header from Taylor Comeau to grab a point late.
The Dash (0-0-1) host the Utah Royals on Friday, March 30th, and the Red Stars (0-0-1) head home to host the Portland Thorns on Saturday, March 31st.
GOAL SUMMARY:
1. Dash — Keever (Jordan), 38
2. Red Stars — Comeau (Colaprico) 90
-Claire Watkins
