Super Falcons forward, Michelle Alozie scored a stoppage-time winner to give the Houston Dash a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The result extended Houston’s unbeaten run since the league’s mid-season break to three matches (2-0-1) while snapping Gotham’s four-game unbeaten streak.
Gotham Strike Early Through Esther González
The hosts made the perfect start as Spanish striker Esther González opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Returning winger Gabi Portilho, making her first start since April after recovering from a hip injury, provided the assist, setting up González for her league-leading 11th goal of the season.
Dash Gifted Equaliser
Houston struggled to create chances in the first half, managing just two shots all evening. But they were gifted a way back into the contest in the 51st minute.
Defender Emily Sonnett attempted a back pass to goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, but the ball rolled beyond her reach and into the net for a costly own goal that levelled the match at 1-1.
Thunderstorms Cause Two-Hour Delay
The second half was halted midway through due to thunderstorms in the area, forcing a suspension that lasted more than two hours.
When play resumed, both sides pushed for a winner. Gotham piled on the pressure with 15 total shots, but Houston’s compact defence and counterattacking threat kept them in the contest.
Michelle Alozie, the Match-Winner
Just as it looked like the game would end level, Michelle Alozie delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, the Nigerian international pounced on a defensive lapse in Gotham’s box, steadied herself, and fired past Berger to seal her first goal of the NWSL season.
The Houston bench erupted in celebration as Alozie, fresh off international duty where she scored a late winner in Nigeria’s WAFCON 2024 semi-final.
The victory lifts Houston Dash to 5-8-3 for the season, keeping them within touching distance of the playoff places. Gotham FC, meanwhile, fall to 5-6-5, missing the chance to consolidate their top-half position.
The loss was a gut punch for Gotham, who had controlled large stretches of the game but ultimately paid for defensive lapses.
They were also without Brazilian forward Geyse, suspended following a red card in last week’s draw against the Washington Spirit.
By the Numbers
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Gotham FC: 15 shots, 1 goal
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Houston Dash: 2 shots, 2 goals (incl. own goal)
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Possession: Gotham dominated, but Houston proved clinical
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Esther González: 11th league goal of the season
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Michelle Alozie: 1st NWSL goal of 2025
