Dash down Reign 2-0 in NWSL's Challenge Cup

Posted July 05, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly, front right, takes a shot as OL Reign defender Amber Brooks, right., looks on during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Saturday, July 4, 2020, Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

HERRIMAN, Utah (AP) - Kristie Mewis and Shea Groom scored to give the Houston Dash a 2-0 victory over OL Reign on Saturday night in the group stage of the NWSL's Challenge Cup tournament.

The Dash now have five goals, most of any team in the tournament.

Mewis scored in the 12th minute, taking a sweet back heel pass from Groom and blasting the ball from just inside the penalty area.

Groom scored on a precisely executed leaping header in the 54th minute. It was her second goal of the tournament.

Rachel Daly scored two goals in Houston's opening game, a 3-3 draw with the Utah Royals. She was listed as questionable for the game against the Reign, but started.

The Reign were coming off a scoreless draw against Sky Blue in its opening game. They have yet to score a goal in the tournament.

Former Reign coach Vlatko Andonovski, who now coaches the U.S. women's national team, was at Zions Back Stadium for the game.

The Royals defeated Sky Blue 1-0 earlier Saturday on Amy Rodriguez's goal late in the first half.

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OL Reign defender Amber Brooks, left, defends against Houston Dash midfielder Bri Visalli, right, during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Saturday, July 4, 2020, Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly (3) joins teammates celebrating with midfielder Kristie Mewis (19) after Mewis' goal against OL Reign during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Saturday, July 4, 2020, Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

OL Reign goalkeeper Casey Murphy, left, makes a save as Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly (3) goes up during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium, Saturday, July 4, 2020, Herriman, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The Associated Press

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