Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns FC

Houston, Texas – Houston Dash hosted league-leaders Portland Thorns at PNC Stadium on Sunday and the visitors walk away victorious after a 1-0 win.

With a lot on the line for either side, both teams pushed forward in search of the opener. Portland’s attack, however, was more dangerous than Houston’s during the first 45 minutes. Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair, in particular, both hit the woodwork. Despite numerous chances, the breakthrough wouldn’t come until just before half time. On one side of the pitch, Houston’s Sophie Schmidt sent a bullet header towards goal but Bella Bixby saved comfortably. Seconds later, Portland attacked on the counter and Lindsey Horan smashed the ball home. Coming out after the break the hosts adjusted their game and maintained more possession of the ball. As a result, the Dash built their momentum up throughout the second half and their attack pushed relentlessly for an equaliser. Both Nichelle Prince and Rachel Daly saw chances fall short but the best opportunity fell to Kristie Mewis who pulled her shot inches wide. Later on, the visitors almost doubled their lead when a poor defensive clearance allowed Sinclair to take a shot but Allysha Chapman cleared the ball off the line. Despite waves of attack from the hosts in the final 15 minutes, the visitors held on for a slim 1-0 win. Bixby, in particular, made two big saves late in the game. With the result, Portland win the 2021 NWSL Shield while Houston currently sit sixth in the table and continue their hunt for a spot in the playoffs.