The Houston Dash are 2020 National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup champions, defeating the Chicago Red Stars, 2-0, on Sunday at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
Houston midfielder Kristie Mewis won a penalty kick in the 4th minute, after being taken down inside the box by Kayla Sharples. Of note, Mewis left the match early in the first half due to a hamstring injury, being replaced by Cece Kizer in the 29th minute.
Stepping up to the penalty spot was Canadian international midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who calmly slotted the penalty past Alyssa Naeher.
Earned by @KristieMewie, converted by @sophieschmidt13 👊@HoustonDash lead early!
1-0 | #HOUvCHI
Tune in now on @CBS, @CBSAllAccess, and @Twitch.#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/eXlO2npkkL
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
In the first minute of stoppage time, Shea Groom gave the Houston Dash another goal, seemingly ending the contest. Groom out-ran Chicago’s center backs, and then slipped a pass to herself past Naeher. Groom then slotted it into an empty net, with Sarah Gorden hot on her heels.
Houston had other chances throughout the match, with Rachel Daly peaking in the second half with good chances inside the box. Nichelle Prince worked hard throughout the match, sending crosses inside the box and putting in a little work on defense. Also, Jane Campbell finished the match with four saves against Savannah McCaskill, Katie Johnson, Rachel Hill and Kealia Watt.
Scenes in Utah! 😍@sheabayy2 rounds Naeher and slots it home!
2-0 | #HOUvCHI
Tune in now on @CBS, @CBSAllAccess, and @Twitch.#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/p94ceFM8jX
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Meanwhile, the Dash pressured Naeher to make two saves, one against Katie Naughton and the other against Daly.
The MVP of the match was Groom.
Analysis to follow.
DISCUSS: What do you think of the Dash winning the NWSL Challenge Cup?
