**Houston, Texas** – The Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars faced off in each side’s Challenge Cup opener on Sunday night, with the Red Stars putting in an impressive showing to take home a 3-1 win.
The hosts first jumped on the board in the 19 ^th minute when, following a free kick given on the left flank, Katie Naughton put home a close-range effort after a deep ball to the back post that Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher could not reach. No fault of Naeher’s, however, as the deceptive delivery on the free kick nearly resulted in a number of Dash players getting a toe on it, though Naughton’s final touch was the one needed.
Two minutes later, the Red Stars produced their first truly threatening attack as forward Mallory Pugh got on the end of a cross from the right side, though she was unable to get enough on the shot to direct it past Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell.
In the 27 ^th minute, Pugh’s next best effort would not be denied and the Red Stars found an all-important equalizer. Dancing through the defense as she rushed into the box, the talented forward cut into the box and though her initial shot was saved a point-blank range from Campbell, Pugh was able to collect the ball at her feet once more and bury the chance.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock before the break and the pair remained level heading into the second half.
In the 57 ^th minute, Chicago’s fortunes changed for the good as they were awarded a penalty kick after a corner swung in toward the back post as Ava Cook was judged to have been fouled by the Dash’s Sophie Schmidt. This left Arin Wright with a perfect opportunity from 12 yards out, and she took advantage as she buried the spot kick in the lower left side of the goal in the 58 ^th minute.
Two minutes later, the Red Stars put the final nail in the coffin as Pugh doubled her tally for the evening to put the visitors 3-1 up. After a giveaway in the middle of the park, Chicago midfielder Danielle Colaprico played a pass to Pugh still some distance from goal. Taking strike from 25 yards out, Pugh decided on an effort that took the slightest deflection off a Dash defender and ended up in the top right corner of Campbell’s goal to put the finishing touches on the match.
The Dash will travel to Louisville to face Racing Louisville FC next Friday, while Chicago faces the Kansas City Current later that same evening.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights