Ryan’s Strike Lifts Houston Dash Over Chicago Stars
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash defeated the Chicago Stars 1-0 at home on Friday night. The big three points lifted the Dash closer to the playoff line as the race for a postseason berth continues to heat up.
Head coach Fabrice Gautrat had to make tough choices with his lineup after last week’s loss to the Utah Royals. Rookie standout Maggie Graham was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, opening the door for changes. Malia Berkley made her Dash debut, starting on the backline in place of Katie Lind. Sarah Puntigam filled in for Graham in midfield. Michelle Alozie lined up at right back, shifting Avery Patterson over to the left in place of Allysha Chapman.
The match took an early twist when captain Jane Campbell was forced off with an apparent leg injury, replaced by Abby Smith in goal. Despite the setback, Houston looked lively, pressing Chicago’s defense and creating chances, though the finishing touch was missing.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Yazmeen Ryan pounced on a poor pass from Sam Staab. Ryan intercepted the ball cleanly, and drove into space before drilling a low shot inside the right post to give the Dash a deserved lead.
Chicago grew into the game after halftime, putting the Dash under pressure, but Houston’s defense held firm. In the 87th minute, Anna Heilferty, also making her debut, had her shot blocked by a Chicago defender. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded for handball. Ryan stepped up to the spot looking for her brace, but Alyssa Naeher came up with the save to keep it 1-0.
The Dash should have put the game out of reach earlier, but the missed chances made the closing stages tense. The final whistle did come, giving Houston the 1-0 victory. The result was exactly what they needed to stay in the playoff hunt. At the final whistle, Houston sat just outside the playoff line in ninth place, just two points behind eigth place North Carolina.
Next up, the Dash travel to D.C. to face the Washington Spirit on Sunday, September 28 at 12:00 PM. The match will stream on NWSL+ and Paramount+.
