WMLS: Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns 1-4 (5-16-2025)

Written by Michael Thervil

Photo by Houston Dash

What started off as a decent night for Houston Dash fans turned out to be another nightmare. When we spoke to one of the Houston Dash fans in attendance after the game, they stated that they’ve had it with the Houston Dash’s losing streak despite them winning their last game against the Seattle Reign. Nonetheless it’s safe to say even though the Houston Dash lost this game, there was excitement throughout the game as their fans cheered them on. Currently the head-to-head history between the two teams for the last 5 games stands at the Portland Thorns having 3 wins, the Houston Dash having 1 win and 1 draw between the two teams.

Again, judging by the stats, this wasn’t a bad game as the Houston Dash took a total of 8 shots with 2 on target. The Portland Thorns in contrast took 14 shots with 7 of those shots landing on target. While the Houston Dash maintained possession of the ball 53% of the time with 344 accurate passes out of 413 total passes which landed them a pass accuracy rate of 83%. This isn't bad, it's just that passing the ball doesn’t equate to winning; kicking that ball into the net resulting in a score does.

The Portland Thorns were able to take possession of the ball  47% of the time with 298 accurate passes, out of 372 total passes for a pass accuracy rate of 80%. This was 3 points lower percentage wise than the Houston Dash who led in this area. On the attack, the Houston Dash was able to block 3 shots from Portland Thorns, while Portland was able to tie in this area by blocking 3 of Dash’s shots. Both teams also tied when it came to big chances with 1 apiece, with the Houston Dash missing 1 big chance. Portland misses 0 big chances.

The Houston Dash also got called for being offside twice while Portland received a call for being offside 1 time. The Dash took 3 corners during the match to Portland’s 1 corner. In terms of defense, the Houston Dash led in five of the following stats. 16 (80%) tackles won 3 keeper savers, 19 clearances, 9 interceptions, and 3 blocks. The Portland Thorns accumulated 14 (70%) tackles won, 2 keeper saves, 1 clearances, 8 interceptions, and 2 blocks. The Portland Thorns were issued 1 yellow card and had 9 fouls while the Houston dah racked up 2 fouls, no yellow or red cards issued.

The next game for the Houston Dash will feature them going against the Bay FC on Saturday 24, 2025 at 4pm at Shell Energy Stadium. The current head-to-head record between the two teams stands at 1 win apiece with no draws.