Shea Groom dazzles in 100th NWSL appearance

The Dash notched three points in the NWSL standings Saturday, defeating the Courage 2-1 in Cary, N.C.

Houston took the lead early, with Shea Groom slotting home a go-ahead goal in the eighth minute off of a North Carolina turnover. Saturday marked Groom’s 100th regular-season NWSL appearance and second goal of the season.

.@sheabayy2 marking her 100th NWSL appearance in style 💯#NCvHOU | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/JrMBCWW6T0

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 17, 2021

The Courage equalized less than 10 minutes later. Kristen Hamilton punched in a deflected ball from close range to tie the game 1-1 in the 16^th minute.

Going HAM for this equalizer ⚽️💥#NCvHOU | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/qQ5cCLUM5H

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 17, 2021

The Dash went up again in the 62^nd minute after Groom drew a foul at the top of the box. Gabby Seiler lined up for the free kick and rifled home her first professional goal to give Houston a 2-1 lead.

Straight off the training ground 😎#NCvHOU | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/3KwL0sbaF4

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Next up: The Dash will head home to host Portland on Saturday. North Carolina will take on Kansas City on Friday.