Portland Thorns FC rescued a deserved point with a late surge, drawing 1-1 with Houston Dash in Saturday’s NWSL fixture at Providence Park.
Houston made the sharper start and took control of the scoreline in the 10th minute when Kat Rader found the net for the Dash. The visitors carried that 1-0 advantage into half-time, defending their lead through a first period in which Portland had possession but could not turn its pressure into a breakthrough.
The Thorns steadily raised the tempo after the interval. Portland finished with 55 percent possession, 20 shots and eight corners, compared with Houston’s six shots and one corner, but the Dash remained compact and difficult to break down for much of the second half.
Houston substitute Marie Müller was booked in the 77th minute, but she delivered the decisive attacking contribution for Portland eight minutes later. Müller struck in the 85th minute to level the match at 1-1 and lift the 18,247 supporters at Providence Park.
Portland pressed for a winner in the closing stages, having put five shots on target across the match, but Houston held firm to take a legitimate point away from home. The Dash had defended under sustained pressure and made their early goal count, while the Thorns showed resilience to avoid defeat.
The result leaves Portland with a 12-7-7 record, while Houston move to 8-6-12. The Thorns next host Bay FC on Sunday, October 18, while the Dash return home to face Washington Spirit on Sunday, October 4.
