Originally published on June 10, 2014
The Houston Dash dominated Sky Blue FC 3-0 on the road.
The Dash struck early thanks to a incredible bit of individual skill from forward Tiffany McCarty who capitalized on poor defending by Caitlin Foord. McCarty’s unassisted goal in gave the Dash a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.
Less than 10 minutes later Ella Masar headed a ball from what appeared to be an offside position. Masar even looked to the assistant referee before raising her arms in celebration.
Following the second goal, the entire Sky Blue squad looked noticeably deflated and Houston took control of the game. The scoreline remained 2-0 after the first 45 minutes.
Erin McLeod had a standout performance for the Dash making several incredible saves during the game including a reflex kick save in the 58th minute. Nanase Kiryu sent a perfectly placed pass to Jonelle Filigno who was streaking toward goal. McLeod came off her line to close down the angle and managed to kick her foot out just in time to block Filigno’s shot.
In the 79th minute Becky Edward’s long ball found McCarty at the top of the Sky Blue box and Jill Loyden came way off her line, but wasn’t able to clear the ball. Instead McCarty was presented with an open net. McCarty sent in a lofted shot that Christie Rampone attempted to head off the line, but Rampone’s efforts weren’t enough and it deflected slightly off her head and finally into the goal to give McCarty a brace on the night.
The difference in mood and attitude between head coach Randy Waldrum and Jim Gabarra this season has been striking and that continued in the post game comments provided following the game on Sunday.
Gabarra, understandably, was displeased with his team’s performance and expressed that directly. “This team has yet to come together and fight for each other,” said Gabarra. “It is kind of like a bunch of individuals out there. When the going gets tough we give up a little bit too easily. We start doing the right things and then cave into the pressure.”
When asked about where his team’s morale is at, Gabarra said “ It’s ok. It isn’t where it should be. “ He continued “You want somebody to get angry or someone to get in a fight or something, but that doesn’t happen in the women’s game too much. We have to do something to get the paddles out and give them a shock to get the heart going again.”
Gabarra is hoping to make some personnel changes before the second registration/transfer window closes on June 18th. “We have two international slots and I have been trying for two months to fill them,” noted Gabarra. It’s difficult with World Cup qualifiers and the not having the money to compete with the European teams. We’ll probably bring in one whether it is a trade or as a free agent. We have discussed some trades with some teams.”
In contrast, Waldrum was upbeat and encouraged by the Dash victory. Even after tough losses both Waldrum and his players have remained positive and constructive. “I knew we just needed some time together before we would start winning some games,” he explained. “They have taken some lumps, but they have never quit. There hasn’t been any game where we just stopped playing. When we lost and players made mistakes and could easily be blamed for a goal, they have had each other’s backs the whole time.”
Both teams are now sitting on 10 points. The Dash have a congested week of games as they head back to Houston to play the Western New York Flash on Wednesday and then FC Kansas City on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sky Blue has a week to prepare for their next game against the Chicago Red Stars.