by Brian Turrel
The Kansas City Current looked like it had the better of the Houston Dash in the Sunday home opener at Children’s Mercy Park, but the 2-0 final score told a different story.
The home side conceded the first goal shortly before halftime on a controversial penalty awarded to the Dash when Elizabeth Ball defended a run from Houston forward Michaela Abam. Ball checked Abam’s momentum toward goal and made contact but didn’t appear to foul her.
Though the in-stadium replays drew loud boos from the fans, NWSL does not have video review, and the call stood. Forward Rachel Daly stroked the penalty kick confidently into the net for the 1-0 lead.
Kansas City goalkeeper A.D. Franch kept the visitors from extending their lead with a diving stop four minutes into first half stoppage.
Houston midfielder Bri Visalli, a late game substitute, scored the second goal late well after the 90th minute as Kansas City pressed high up on the field in search of an equalizer.
Despite the one-sided score line, the Current generated plenty of offense to keep the home crowd engaged in the match, outshooting the Dash 15 to 9.
Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell was put to the test in the second half, collecting five saves overall in the match. In the 73rd minute, a Kristen Hamilton shot from the right side forced a kick save from Campbell.
Again in the 78th minute, after a flurry of activity in front of the Houston goal, Hailie Mace blasted a shot up the middle that Campbell had to dive to keep out of the net.
Winless in its first two regular season matches, the Current now faces a stretch of three games on the road at Orlando, Angel City, and the OL Reign, before taking on Louisville in its next home match on May 30.
