Match Recap: Reign FC Defeats Houston Dash 1-0 at Lumen Field
In front of 7,878 fans at Lumen Field, Seattle Reign FC beat the Houston Dash 1-0, lifted to victory by a goal from Reign FC forward Maddie Dahlien.
Though the visitors opted to implement a high press from the first whistle, the Reign dominated in the attack, immediately challenging Houston’s backline. In the fourth minute of the match, Ryanne Brown led an attack for the Reign and attempted to serve a cross to the far post, though it was out of reach of her teammates.
However, on the ensuing goal kick, Sally Menti stepped forward and forced a turnover from the Dash. Ainsley McCammon cleaned up the play and fired off a shot from distance, not quite finding the frame of goal but sending a warning sign to Houston.
The Reign continued to string together strong attacking opportunities, but were missing the final touch needed to score the first goal of the match. In the 17th minute, Seattle earned a corner kick and the service popped out to the top of the box, where Brown was waiting to strike, though her one-touch effort went off target.
Less than 15 minutes later, Sofia Huerta and Dahlien beat Houston’s defense with a quick round of combination play, which unlocked Dahlien inside the box. The speedy forward battled to keep possession of the ball but was brought to the ground by Linda Ullmark. Despite the appeals of Seattle players, the referee waved play on.
To close out the first half, Houston had just their second shot of the match. Kate Faasse received a ball in the attack and turned into Reign FC’s box, but Jordyn Bugg was ready to cover the attack, forcing Faasse to take quick shot.
After the scoreless first half, the Reign started the second half with energy, getting on the board in the 52nd minute. Maddie Mercado swung a ball to the back post and Jane Campbell was unable to punch it out of danger, leaving it to fall perfectly to Dahlien who took it off the half volley and confidently found the back of the net.
Two minutes later, Mia Fishel showed her quality as she held up the ball before distributing beyond Houston’s backline to Dahlien on the run, but the chance was saved.
Dahlien continued to give the Dash trouble, intercepting a pass in the 80th minute and speeding toward goal with the ball at her feet. She took Campbell on, but the veteran goalkeeper saved her shot, deflecting it back out into the 18-yard box. Dahlien fought to keep the chance alive and went to the ground in the box again, but play went on.
The Reign, aided by a group of substitutes reinforcements, saw out the final 10 minutes of match, earning three critical points.
UP NEXT: Reign FC plays another home match in Seattle on Sunday, September 6 against San Diego Wave FC. (SINGLE MATCH TICKETS | TICKET OFFERS)
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
DANGEROUS DAHLIEN: Maddie Dahlien scored the lone goal of the match, marking her third of the season. She took five shots, four of which were on target.
MAESTRO MERCADO: Maddie Mercado, Reign FC’s leading goalscorer, earned her first assist of the season and the second of her career when she set up Maddie Dahlien’s goal.
JESS FISHLOCK: Reign FC OG Jess Fishlock made her return from injury when she subbed into the match in the 88th minute and earned one shot in the match.