Late heroics at the Sports Illustrated Stadium as Houston Dash battled from behind to snatch a memorable 2-1 victory over Gotham FC, with Nigerian international Michelle Alozie emerging as the match-winner deep into stoppage time.
The game sparked into life almost immediately, as Gotham FC took control in the early stages. Just eight minutes in, Estefanía González gave the home side the perfect start, finishing clinically after a swift attacking move that left the Dash defense flat-footed. The early goal sent Gotham fans into raptures, while Houston were forced to chase the game from the onset.
Despite conceding early, Houston gradually grew into the match. They began to dictate possession, pressing higher up the pitch, and asking more questions of Gotham’s backline. The breakthrough eventually came in the second half, albeit in somewhat fortuitous fashion. In the 51st minute, Gotham defender Emily Sonnett, under pressure from a dangerous Houston cross, inadvertently turned the ball into her own net. It was the lifeline Houston desperately needed, and it tilted momentum firmly in their favor.
The equalizer gave the Dash renewed confidence, and for large stretches of the second half, they looked the more likely to find the winner. Gotham, however, were far from passive; they countered with pace and threatened to restore their lead, forcing the Dash goalkeeper into a couple of crucial saves. The battle swung back and forth, with tension rising as the clock ticked down.
Then, in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3’), the decisive moment arrived. A swift Houston attack caught Gotham’s defense scrambling, and the ball fell kindly to Michelle Alozie. The Super Falcons star showed remarkable composure under pressure, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to complete the comeback. Her celebration was filled with pure joy, as teammates swarmed around her, knowing they had secured not just three points but also a massive morale-boosting victory.
The Nigerian forward once again proved her ability to deliver in crucial moments. Her late strike silenced the Gotham crowd and underlined Houston Dash’s fighting spirit.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 win for Houston Dash, lifting them higher up the NWSL standings and reminding the rest of the league of their resilience. Gotham FC, on the other hand, will rue their missed chances and the cruel nature of conceding so late.
