Houston Dash produced a dramatic late turnaround at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, defeating North Carolina Courage 3-2 in a pulsating National Women’s Soccer League fixture decided by Clarissa Larisey’s stoppage-time header.
The Courage had looked well placed to protect a second-half lead in front of 7,031 supporters in Cary, but Houston’s persistence paid off. Larisey equalized in the 80th minute before rising to head home the winner in the 90’+3′ minute, completing a memorable substitute’s double.
North Carolina struck first through Ally Schlegel in the 37th minute, but Houston responded quickly. Kate Faasse found the equalizer in the 42nd minute to send the sides into halftime level at 1-1.
The home side regained the advantage six minutes after the restart when Evelyn Ijeh scored in the 51st minute. The Courage carried 53.3 percent of possession and generated 16 shots, but Houston were sharp when their opportunities arrived, putting seven of their 15 attempts on target.
With the match entering its final stages, Larisey turned the momentum. Her 80th-minute goal brought the Dash level, and after Danielle Colaprico was booked in the 86th minute, Houston continued to press for a winner. It arrived deep into added time as Larisey’s header sealed all three points for the visitors.
The result gives Houston a hard-earned road victory after a match of fine margins, while the Courage will rue letting a 2-1 lead slip in the closing minutes.
Goals
- North Carolina Courage: Ally Schlegel 37′, Evelyn Ijeh 51′
- Houston Dash: Kate Faasse 42′, Clarissa Larisey 80′, 90’+3′
