The Wait Is Over: Dash End 50-Day Winless Streak at Home

Photo by Raphael Fernandez - Foxtrot Media

The Houston Dash finally gave their fans something to celebrate on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, defeating Angel City FC 2-1 in dramatic fashion to end a 50-day wait for a victory.

It was Houston’s final home match for the next two months before heading back on the road, and the Dash delivered one of their most emotional performances of the season in front of their home supporters.

Houston started the match with intensity and was rewarded early in the 17th minute when Kat Rader found the back of the net to give the Dash a 1-0 lead. The goal energized the crowd as Houston looked determined to finally end its winless stretch.

Photo by Raphael Fernandez - Foxtrot Media

Angel City responded in the 26th minute after Maiara Niehues converted a penalty kick to level the match at 1-1. Despite the equalizer, Houston continued pressing forward and created several dangerous chances throughout the night.

Another major storyline entering the match was the absence of goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who did not play after remaining in concussion protocol following the injury she suffered during Wednesday’s game. With Campbell unavailable, Caroline DeLisle made her debut start in goal for the Dash.

DeLisle stepped up under pressure and delivered a solid performance in her first start, making important saves and helping keep Houston in the match during key moments. As stoppage time approached, the match appeared destined to end in a draw. But in the 90+1 minute, Maggie Graham delivered the moment Houston had been waiting for, scoring the late winner that sent Shell Energy Stadium into celebration.

Photo by Raphael Fernandez - Foxtrot Media

“It was incredible. I'm kind of at a loss for words, with the whole experience. The big thing that comes to mind from today is just a whole team effort and using everyone in 90 minutes to get the job done. This team is special, and I was just telling someone about this group, is just as unique, and we really value our locker room and our culture. Going through some tougher times, that's how the success comes of just that group and that mentality, and I think that showed tonight, things finally starting to click, and just getting that result is huge.”

• Houston Dash goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle

The final whistle marked more than just three points. It ended a frustrating 50-day stretch without a win and gave the Dash a much-needed boost heading into their last game before the World Cup break at Gotham FC on Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 PM CT.