Houston Dash goalie Erin McLeod blocks the ball during the game against the Portland Thorns FC at the BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2014.
Kim Christensen/Courtesy of the Houston Chronicle
BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2014 season got underway Saturday with Portland Thorns FC facing Houston Dash and FC Kansas City matching up against Sky Blue FC.
The defending NWSL champion Thorns opened the season with a 1-0 win in Houston. Midfielder Allie Long scored the game’s only goal in the first half and goalkeeper Nadine Angerer recorded the shut out as the Thorns defense held Houston to just three shots on goal.
Thorns FC out-shot the Dash, 12-10, in Paul Riley’s first match as head coach for the team.
In other action, FC Kansas City and Sky Blue FC played to a 1-1 draw in Kansas City. Amy Rodriguez scored for Kansas City at the 42′ mark and SBFC’s midfielder Katy Freels scored the equalizer at 48′.
The Blues outshot SBFC 14-5 and had a 5-2 corner kick advantage in the contest.
FC Kansas City vs Sky Blue FC highlights
Looking ahead, Thorns FC will travel to New Jersey to face off against Sky Blue FC on April 19 while Kansas City will host the Washington Spirit on the same date. The Dash will face the Boston Breakers at Harvard Stadium on April 20.
Opening week action for the NWSL continues Sunday with Abby Wambach’s Western New York Flash squaring off against Washington and Boston hosting Seattle Reign FC.
