Angel City and Houston Dash in an unproductive draw

Angel City continue to have no luck against the Houston Dash. The team even tried to break their four-game winless streak, which began in May with a defeat to the Dash. Despite dominating and keeping more of the ball, they were unable to convert their dominance into goals, while the Houston Dash narrowly came away with the win, but were denied their only chance. In the end, the teams that are neck and neck in the standings came away with just one point from a goalless draw at the Shell Energy Stadium.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

The result isn't good for either team, who sit in 10th and 11th place, outside the NWSL qualifying zone. A win would be important for both, perhaps it could be an extra boost for one of the teams to get off to a better start. The Dash, without a win in two games, have 13 points, while Angel City have 12. The gap to the last club in the playoffs is short. There are still chances for both the Houston Dash and Angel City. For that to happen, they need to turn the tables as soon as possible.

In the clash of the sides desperate for a comeback, the players lacked a cutting edge. The bitter taste of the result goes to the visitors. Angel City had a great way to open the scoring from the penalty spot. The ball deflected off the arm of defender Tarciane after a cross from the left. It was just Claire Emslie and Jane Campbell. The No.10 didn't shoot too weakly and gave the ball away, making life easier for the goalkeeper, who had nothing to do with it and was grateful for her opponent's failure to take the spot-kick. Campbell was one of the highlights of the match, coming on when the Dash needed her and saving every shot on goal. Despite the deflection, Tarciane was another player who put in a good performance. The Brazilian was precise in her marking, winning the vast majority of the duels played.

The game was more likely to go to Angel City, who failed. They failed because they weren't efficient, but Campbell also deserves a lot of credit. The Dash are fortunate that their goalkeeper has the most saves in the league, and the Houston Dash narrowly missed a chance to win the game.

Both teams will have to calibrate their marksmanship if they are to pick up points in the coming rounds of the NWSL. Despite the goalless draw, it was clear that both Angel City and Houston Dash need to improve their shooting efficiency if they are to climb the table. With the season progressing, the urgency of a turnaround is crucial. The next round will be decisive for both teams, who must go for the win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.