Houston Dash defeats San Diego Wave FC to open two-game road trip

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 13, 2024) – The Houston Dash opened a two-game road trip today with a 2-0 win over San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium. It was the fourth win of the year for the interim head coach Ricky Clarke and his second triumph in league play. Today's win was also the Dash's first win in the all-time series against the Wave.

Houston took the lead in the 30th minute after Dash midfielder Barbara Olivieri converted a penalty. Olivieri played a cross into the penalty area for the midfielder Yuki Nasato in the 24th minute, but her shot was blocked by Naomi Girma in the penalty area. Referee Jaclyn Metz consulted video assistant referee Shawn Tehini about a possible foul and the penalty was awarded to Houston.

The Dash doubled their lead in the 72nd minute after a cross from Olivieri into the box that found Ramona Bachmann. The Swiss international scored her second goal of the season. Olivieri scored her second assist of the season in this game.

Olivieri forced a save in the 11th minute after winning the ball in the defensive third of the field. The Katy, Texas native dribbled past two defenders and found Nagasato for support in the midfield. The experienced attacker played the ball wide to the midfielder Belle Briedewho changed the game and had Olivieri under control. Olivieri dribbled away from a defender to create space for a shot that was parried at the far post by the San Diego goalkeeper.

Briede was one of four changes to the lineup following Houston's home game against the Chicago Red Stars on October 4. This was also Briede's first start since the opening game of the season at North Carolina.

Dash captain Jane Campbell made her first save of the game in the 21st minute. She was well positioned to block Mya Jones' shot for the first of three saves tonight against the Wave. Campbell was well positioned to deny Hanna Lundkvist at the far post in the 55th minute, making her second save of the night.

Campbell scored her 38th goal in league play and helped Houston to its 50th goal in the regular season. The goaltender currently leads the league with 110 saves and needs two saves to match the regular season record for saves in a single season.

The Dash complete this two-game road trip on Friday, October 18th against Seattle Reign FC at Lumen Field. Fans can watch the action live on Prime Video starting at 9 p.m. CT. The Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, November 2nd for Fan Appreciation Night presented by Verizon. Tickets for this game are available HERE.