Sheehan Strike Sends Dash to First Home Win
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dash secured their first home win of the season with a 1-0 victory over the Utah Royals on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. The match also marked a milestone for midfielder Delanie Sheehan, who made her 50th start in the league. Sheehan would go on to celebrate her milestone, later in the match, in grand fashion.
Facing a struggling Utah side and desperate for a home victory, head coach Fabrice Gautrat made significant changes to the lineup. He opted to drop creative midfielder Barbara Olivieri in favor of the recently recovered Avery Patterson, giving Houston two natural full-backs and allowing Maggie Graham the freedom to roam the pitch as she does best.
The Royals dominated possession early on but failed to create any real danger in the final third. Meanwhile, the Dash appeared more organized and confident. Sheehan was the standout player in the first half, controlling the tempo and switching play quickly to keep Houston in threatening positions near the 18-yard box.
Despite several chances, the Dash couldn't find the back of the net before halftime and went into the break frustrated with the 0-0 scoreline. Early in the second half, they were nearly made to pay when Utah’s Janni Thomsen broke into the box and sent a shot just over the crossbar.
Looking for a breakthrough, Gautrat went all-in with his substitutions, bringing on Diana Ordoñez and Olivieri for Messiah Bright and Danielle Colaprico. The changes shifted Houston into a full attacking mode, creating more opportunities — notably giving Yazmeen Ryan some good chances against Utah goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. But just like in the first half, the Dash struggled to convert.
It felt like the match was headed for a draw until the 80th minute. After a failed free-kick into the box was cleared out, the ball landed perfectly for Sheehan, who struck it effortlessly into the upper right corner, giving Houston the lead late in the match.
The Dash played with renewed confidence after the goal, looking more willing to take risks and play an open, aggressive style. They were able to see out the final ten minutes and pick up the first home win of 2025. With each game, this group seems to be growing in belief and cohesion. This win could be the spark they need heading into a busy stretch of the season.
The Dash will look to build on the momentum of this victory when they host Racing Louisville next Friday at 7:00 PM, with the match streaming on NWSL+.
