Houston Dash at Angel City FC player ratings
(image via Angel City FC)
The Houston Dash looked in control early. The energy was there, the press was working, and the breakthrough came. But like we’ve seen too often, a strong first half didn’t carry over. Angel City flipped the match in the second half, capitalizing on key moments and punishing mistakes. What once looked like a solid performance turned into a frustrating loss. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.
Starters
Jane Campbell - 5.5
Campbell came up with a couple of big, reaction saves that kept Houston in it early, but Angel City stayed alert on second balls and made her pay. It was one of those matches where even the saves didn’t fully relieve pressure, as the rebounds led to dangerous chances and ultimately goals.
Leah Klenke - 6
Klenke provided effort down the flank and helped in possession, but didn’t have a major impact on either side of the ball. A quiet night overall.
Paige Nielsen - 6.5
Nielsen had a solid outing in the back, stepping in to break up plays and staying composed under pressure. As Angel City pushed more in the second half, she was forced into more reactive defending but held her ground for the most part.
Malia Berkely - 6
Berkely had a steady but unspectacular performance. She did well in moments to clear danger and stay organized, but like the rest of the back line, she struggled to deal with Angel City’s momentum after halftime.
Avery Patterson - 7
Patterson was heavily involved, finishing with the most touches on the team by a wide margin. She was active on both ends and constantly available as an outlet. But when your wide player dominates the ball that much, it can make the attack feel a bit one-sided and predictable at times.
Kat Rader - 7.5
Rader continues to impress. She was everywhere, constantly checking in for the ball, driving forward, and even putting in defensive work when needed. Her energy and willingness to stay involved make her one of the most reliable players on the field.
Danielle Colaprico - 6.5
Colaprico brought her usual composure in midfield, helping connect passes and slow things down when needed. She worked hard defensively, but Houston lost control of the middle as the game wore on.
Maggie Graham - 8
Graham was one of Houston’s brightest players. She stayed active, found space, and made things happen going forward. Her movement and awareness helped score the Dash’s goal and kept Houston dangerous during their best stretches.
Linda Ullmark - 6
Ullmark had a quiet presence in midfield. She helped circulate the ball and stay connected in possession, but didn’t fully influence the match as Angel City began to take over.
Kiki Van Zanten - 6.5
Van Zanten had a decent outing but didn’t quite reach the level she showed against Boston. With attacking responsibilities increasing, she’ll need to take more control and become more of a focal point moving forward.
Makenzy Robbe - 7
Robbe did a great job using her body and reading space, especially in the buildup to Houston’s goal. She held the ball well and created opportunities for others, but at times felt isolated. There’s another level there if she becomes more aggressive.
Substitutes
Messiah Bright - 6
Bright came on late as Houston pushed for an equalizer but struggled to get involved. The intent was clear to use her speed to stretch the defense, but the connection with midfield never really developed.
Clarissa Larisey - N/A
Larisey entered in the 90th minute as a last attempt to spark a counterattack, but with so little time, there wasn’t much opportunity to make an impact.
Head Coach
Fabrice Gautrat - 7
Gautrat set his team up perfectly in the first half. The press was aggressive, the energy was there, and Angel City struggled to settle. But the second half was a completely different story. The team came out flat, and Angel City took full advantage. The game plan worked early, but the lack of adjustment or execution after halftime proved costly.
