After last week’s stunning road win over San Diego Wave, the Houston Dash followed it up with an emphatic 3-0 win over the expansion Boston Legacy.
It is the first time Houston has won consecutive matches to start the regular season. The 10,259 in attendance at Shell Energy Stadium broke the record for most fans for a home opener.
Dash forward Makenzy Robbe drew an early penalty kick after a tackle from Legacy defender Jorelyn Carabalí clipped her. In the 13th minute, goalkeeper Casey Murphy denied Malia Berkely, keeping the game scoreless.
In the 37th minute, Maggie Graham beat Murphy to the ball for what appeared to be the opening goal, however it was ruled a foul due to the ensuing collision.
As a result of quick passing combinations at the top of the box, Linda Ullmark found Kiki van Zanten to break the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 43rd minute.
Van Zanten completed her brace in the 59th minute on a delivery from Kat Rader after the Dash pressure forced an errant giveaway from Murphy. Rader picked up the loose ball and scored the first NWSL goal of her career in the 65th minute.