Delanie Sheehan's late goal carries Dash past Royals

Field Level Media|published: Fri 25th April, 22:32 2025

Apr 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Utah Royals FC defender Janni Thomsen (7) controls the ball as Houston Dash defender Christen Westphal (20) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Delanie Sheehan's goal in the 80th minute catapulted the Houston Dash to a 1-0 victory over the visiting Utah Royals on Friday.

The midfielder celebrated her 50th regular-season start in the NWSL with her first goal for her new team. She played the previous four seasons for Gotham FC.

Houston (2-1-3, 7 points), which had not won in three contests, applied pressure inside the Royals' 18-yard box, and that led to a poor clearance that went right to Sheehan just outside. She was able to rip one to the upper right of the goal that was out of Utah goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn's reach.

Prior to the goal, it was the Royals (1-4-1, 4 points) who were in control of the match, if not on the scoreboard. They controlled possession for most of the game and outshot the hosts 13-7, including a 5-4 edge on shots on goal.

The Royals started the second half with a couple of chances. Cece Kizer forced Houston goalie Jane Campbell to make a save in the opening minute of the half. Eight minutes later, McGlynn's save on a Yazmeen Ryan shot led to a counter, but Campbell again was able to make a save on Allyson Sentnor's attempt set up by Aisha Solorzano.

Utah also lost Claudia Zornoza to an apparent leg injury. The Spanish midfielder, 34, left the game in the 23rd minute.

--Field Level Media

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