Washington Spirit finally shook off a determined Houston Dash side as Clara Luvanga’s 84th-minute winner sealed a 3–2 victory at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, October 4. Houston twice erased a one-goal deficit in this National Women’s Soccer League fixture, but Washington’s third breakthrough proved decisive.
Houston hit back before the break
Tara Rudd gave the visitors an early advantage with an 11th-minute header, putting Washington ahead in a contest in which they would finish with the greater share of possession and chances.
Houston stayed within reach and found their response just before half-time. Miljana Ivanovic struck in the 44th minute to make it 1–1, ensuring the Dash went into the interval level despite Washington’s early breakthrough.
Another equalizer, then the decisive blow
The Spirit restored their lead six minutes after the restart, with Sofia Cantore finding the net in the 51st minute. Once again, however, Houston refused to let the visitors pull away.
Ivanovic completed her brace in the 59th minute, bringing the Dash level at 2–2 just eight minutes after Washington had regained the advantage. Her two equalizers kept the hosts firmly in contention for a result.
With a draw still on the cards late in the match, Luvanga delivered the decisive goal in the 84th minute. This time, Houston could not produce another reply, and Washington saw out the remaining minutes to take all three points.
Spirit’s attacking volume pays off
Washington finished with 60 percent possession and 25 shots to Houston’s 13, including an 8–6 advantage in efforts on target. The visitors also earned 11 corners compared with the Dash’s seven.
Those numbers underline the Spirit’s attacking output, but Houston’s six attempts on target and two equalizers made this anything but a straightforward away victory. The difference ultimately came in Washington’s ability to find one more goal.
Next fixtures
Houston Dash next face Orlando Pride on Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 AM PDT. Washington Spirit return to action against Kansas City Current on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 PM PDT.
