Late Goal Gives Dash the Victory Over Tigres in Summer Cup

Houston Dash beat Tigres Femenil 2-1 in their home opener of the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. This summer tournament is a women’s version of the Leagues Cup that is played between MLS and Liga MX teams.

Photo: Jose Castellanos

Houston’s first match was against KC Current. The Orange lost that game 3-1 in Kansas City, whereas Tigres beat Pachuca 4-2. Because of those results, the Dash was facing a must win match against the Monterrey squad.

Important to mention that Houston is still missing their coach Fran Alonso after several weeks of apparently being diagnosed with an illness. Not much information has been coming out from the club about this matter.

Talking about the match, we can say it started very well for the NWSL side. Diana Ordonez scored the partial 1-0 just two minutes after the starting whistle. Despite Tigres controlling the position of the ball and creating many chances to score the equalizer, the Dash defense as well as rookie goalkeeper Heather Hinz, who had her professional debut in this match, were on point to keep the lead for their squad.

Even though Dash looked solid on their defensive side, Tigres finally scored the 1-1 right before the first half ended via Alison Gonzalez at the 45^th +4.

Photo: Jose Castellanos

The second half, Houston’s interim coach Ricky Clark put Andressa in the match and that gave a more dynamic attack to his squad.

Houston looked to score the winning goal and it was until the 82’ when Barbara Oliveri scored the 2-1 after beating Tigres goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago on a one-on-one play.

With the win, Dash will play against Pachuca for a chance to qualify to the tournament’s semifinals. However, Houston will need Tigres to beat KC Current and then goal differential will decide the team that advances to the next round.

Dash will face Pachuca at home on August 1^st in what could be their last home match of this tournament.