Chicago Red Stars crush Houston Dash’s hopes

In a match at Shell Energy Stadium, the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Houston Dash 2-0, a result carrying far more weight than it might seem at first glance. The win cemented the Red Stars' position within the playoff zone of the NWSL while mathematically eliminating Dash from contention. While the scoreline gives part of the story, the details of the game, standout players, and some stats on performance tell considerably more.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

With a rapid beginning and a goal by Ludmila

With just eight minutes played, Ludmila netted her third in as many games this season to give the Chicago Red Stars an early lead. It was off a well-worked free kick as Mallory Swanson picked out Ludmila unmarked in the box, and the Brazilian forward didn't miss. The speed and precision of the play showed a Red Stars team that was locked in and ready to exploit every gap.

This early goal served as a wake-up call for Houston Dash, who had been trying to settle into the game. Chicago's pressure, especially on set pieces, exposed the weakness in Dash's defense that had already been an issue in previous games. Ludmila once again proved why she is one of the most valuable pieces of the Red Stars attack with her pace and presence in the box.

Ally Schlegel and the goal that sealed it

The second goal for Chicago came in stoppage time of the first half. Ally Schlegel was called on to take her first career penalty. The chance came thanks to a clearly blown foul inside the box, and Schlegel was cool, calm, and collected. She sent the Dash keeper the wrong way, making sure her team would be comfortable for the rest of the match.

This latter goal was the blow that virtually sealed the match. Though Houston tried to fight back, such a handy lead allowed Chicago to adopt more defensive postures, thereby controlling the pace of the game and frustrating any comeback efforts from Dash.

Houston Dash: Chances created, wasted

Even though the final score does not reflect it, Houston Dash did have their chances: in the 16-minute mark, Andressa could have opened the scoring following an on-point pass from Elin Rubensson; however, resolute defence from Chicago managed to clear the threat. It was a scene that was to play itself over and over again during the match, with Dash creating decent chances but never managing to finish them.

During the attack, Diana Ordóñez, Ryan Gareis, and Barbara Olivieri stood out, constantly hindered by either the stout Chicago defense or a smidgen of bad luck. The shots hit the post and otherwise just missed. Of these, Olivieri proved to be a bright spot, even if she took seven shots on goal without finding the back of the net.

This lack of finishing has encapsulated the formulating season Houston Dash have had. Sometimes creating chances, the team never managed to be truly clinical in front of goal.

Outlook for both teams

With this victory, Chicago Red Stars maintain their sixth position in the NWSL, doubtless within the playoff zone, with 32 points. On the other side, Houston Dash are left with only 17 points, now outside the reach of playoffs, and with several months of introspection ahead of them. A season full of ups and downs really showed up a promising team but one which will need to make very serious changes for the future.