HOUSTON DASH VS. NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE 2-1
- Michael Thervil
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Written by Michael Thervil
[Houston Dash North Carolina Courage] Friday's Houston Dash win of their North Carolina Courage was a much-needed win and one that served as a morale booster for both the team and the fans. Looking at the key stats, it should have been the North Carolina Courage that should have one but against all odds, the Houston Dash seemed to have focused on the one thing that matters during a soccer match, and that’s scoring. Goals scored by the Houston Dash are attributed to Kalyssa Priscilla "Kiki" Van Zanten and Sophie Schmidt. The match ended with the Houston Dash defeating the North Carolina Courage 2-1.
The goal that was scored by the North Carolina Courage was due to R. Jackson. Starting with the attack, North Carolina took 13 shots with 4 shots landing on target. The Houston Dash in turn took a total of 7 shots with 2 shots landing on target. Both teams tied with 3 shots that landed off target. The Houston Dash was able to block 2 shots while North Carolina blocked 6.
Defensively, this is where the Houston Dash shined. Acquiring 3 keeper saves, 13 interceptions, and 6 blocks, to North Carolina's 0 keeper saves, 6 interceptions, and 2 blocks. Both teams stood equal with 17 clearances apiece. Looking at the general play, the Houston Dash had possession of the ball 43% of the time, with 326 total passes, 240 accurate passes and a pass accuracy rate of 73%. North Carolina in contrast, possessed the ball 57% of the time, with 431 total passes, 339 accurate passes, and a pass accuracy rate of 78%. All of which is incredible, but being great at ball possession and ball passing doesn’t win matches, scoring does.
The Houston Dash had 2 big chances and missed 1 and received a call for being offsides 1 time and took 2 corners. The North Carolina Courage also had 2 big chances and missed 1 big chance and were called for being offsides 3 times and took 5 corners during the match. Discipline-wise, while no red cards were issued, both teams acquired yellow cards (1 apiece). The Houston Dash racked up 13 fouls while the North Carolina Courage racked up 9 fouls. As always both teams played a great game but there could only be one winner and that was the Houston Dash.
The next Houston Dash game will be held at Sports Illustrated Stadium on August 17th at 3pm against the Gotham FC. The current head-to-head record (last five games) stands at Gotham FC having 2 wins, the Houston Dash having 1 win, and both teams having 2 draws.