The Houston Dash came close to snapping the North Carolina Courage’s unbeaten start to the season.
But a late goal from Frannie Crouse sealed the Courage’s 1-1 draw against the Dash Sunday afternoon in front of an announced crowd of 2,941 at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Houston (3-4-5, 14 points) almost took an early lead in the ninth minute when a strike from Rachael Daly went wide of the right post.
After a scoreless first half, a long-ball sent across the field by Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell connected with Kealia Ohai, who then made a run down the left flank. She beat Cari Roccaro and struck the ball past Katelyn Rowland in the 49th minute to give Houston the 1-0 lead.
The Dash weren’t able to hold on for too long, though.
In the 79th minute, Crouse tied the game for North Carolina after pouncing on a failed clearance of a cross sent in by Elizabeth Eddy. Crouse, a Penn State product, connected from close range for the equalizer. It was her first professional goal.
The Courage improved to 9-0-3 and sit atop the National Women’s Soccer League standings with 30 points.
Both teams met earlier this season on April 28, with the Courage earning a 2-0 win over Dash.
Houston hosts the Portland Thorns on June 22 at 8:430 p.m. The Courage return home to host the Utah Royals on June 16 at 7 p.m.