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Houston Dash Vs Portland Thorns: 3 things we learned – Dash in the Final

By Drew Hubbard

Houston Dash, Rachel Daly (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Houston Dash, Rachel Daly (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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SANDY, UTAH – JULY 22: Rachel Daly #3 of Houston Dash celebrates with her teammates after scoring a goal in the 69th minute against the Portland Thorns FC during the second half in the semifinal match of the NWSL Challenge Cup at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 22, 2020 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
SANDY, UTAH – JULY 22: Rachel Daly #3 of Houston Dash celebrates with her teammates after scoring a goal in the 69th minute against the Portland Thorns FC during the second half in the semifinal match of the NWSL Challenge Cup at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 22, 2020 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. We were wrong about Houston

If anyone had said that the Houston Dash would be in the final of the Challenge Cup, nobody would have taken them seriously. Houston finished as one of the worst sides in the league last year. They were also the worst attacking team in the NWSL. However, 2019 is behind them and it looks like the 2020 Dash is a sign of a more competitive side in the coming years.

Houston got off to a flying start in one of the most entertaining games of the tournament, a 3-3 draw with Utah. However, the Dash were at one point up 3-1 and it looked like the defense might be the Achilles heel for their run in the Challenge Cup. Houston followed that draw with a 2-0 win over OL Reign before losing matches to Sky Blue and the Washington Spirit.

It looked like the Dash of old had returned from the quick spell of good form from the first two games. However, they managed to escape a game against Utah and were by far the better side against Portland, the team who beat the North Carolina Courage.

dark. Next. Chicago Red Stars vs Sky Blue FC: 3 things we learned

Houston now has one final hurdle to complete the title run in the Chicago Red Stars. The final is anyone’s guess, but the Dash have earned their way here and it wouldn’t be wise to count them out again.

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