October 2, (THEWILL) – Michelle Alozie was the hero for the Houston Dash as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Gotham FC at the Red Bull Arena. Alozie scored both goals, including a vital strike right before halftime, to dent Gotham’s playoff hopes.
Gotham had the first chance just 3 minutes in when forward Lynn Williams drove into the box and cut back to fire a shot denied by a diving Houston keeper Jane Campbell, who was phenomenal throughout. Williams tested Campbell again later in the half with a 30-yard effort that the keeper was alert to tip just wide.
Despite Gotham dominating possession in the first half, Alozie scored in stoppage time to give the Dash a 1-0 lead at the break. The home side attacked fiercely after the break, adding Esther González to the front line. Gotham nearly levelled when a 64th-minute corner fell to González, but her touch went inches wide. Alozie then struck again in the 67th minute to extend Houston’s advantage.
Gotham refused to go quietly, creating a flurry of late chances. González forced another good save in the 90th minute before having a goal disallowed for offside moments later. Jenna Nighswonger then saw her stoppage time penalty kick hit the post after González drew a foul in the box.
In the end, Houston held on for a 2-0 victory despite Gotham’s attacking effort. The home side had 72% possession in the second half and unleashed 20 shots to Houston’s 2, but simply could not find a way to get past Campbell in the Houston goal.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
