Nichelle Prince leads Dash to Challenge Cup win over Racing Louisville

The Houston Dash ended their Challenge Cup campaign on a high, defeating Racing Louisville 2-1 in the clubs’ final group-stage matchup on Sunday.

While both sides were out of semifinal contention heading into their matchup, Houston and Louisville hoped to enter the regular season with a victory under their belt.

The Dash started on the front foot with Nichelle Prince opening up scoring in the 24^th minute, picking her defender’s pocket before slotting home the go-ahead goal.

.@nichelleprince7 swipes it and opens the scoring in Houston@HoustonDash | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/AqjoMK2itD

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2022

Racing Louisville responded just five minutes later, with Jaelin Howell firing in a deflected set-piece clearance to equalize. The finish marks the MAC Hermann winner’s first professional goal.

😱 Racing Louisville answers right back and @jaehowell18 gets her first professional goal!@RacingLouFC | #RacingLou pic.twitter.com/G0u3QC4BV9

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2022

Houston Dash restored their lead in the 35^th minute after a well-struck corner from Maria Sanchez snuck past the Racing Louisville keeper, with the goal credited to Ally Prisock.

Dash back in front! Back and forth in Houston as the corner from @Maria17_7 finds the back of the net 💫@HoustonDash | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/QbBXzGR4fo

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2022

Despite a late push from Racing Louisville, the 2-1 scoreline held through the second half, with neither side able to find the back of the net after the break.

Houston and Louisville exit the pre-season tournament with six points, with the Dash notching two wins and Racing Louisville recording one.