Victoria Pickett scores game-winner in Kansas City victory over Dash

The Kansas City Current narrowly defeated the Houston Dash 2-1 Friday night to collect three points in the NWSL Challenge Cup standings.

Kristen Hamilton opened scoring for Kansas City early, heading in a lofted cross to finish off an impressive effort from the Current and put the team up 1-0 in the third minute.

.@khamilton17 with a beautiful header to open the scoring! 🤩 @thekccurrent | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/PKZUJKuQCH

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

Just before the half, the Current’s Elizabeth Ball was awarded a yellow card following an incident with Shea Groom. The call sparked fierce debate between Kansas City players and the game official, with the replay of the interaction showing Ball’s arms down and Groom’s around Ball’s neck.

After Friday’s game, Hamilton told the press, “I’ll get fined if I speak on it, honestly,” then added: “Just go watch the replay.”

where this anonymous nwsl disciplinary committee at to handout fines post-game?! oh wait… pic.twitter.com/VrOiUfDOqd

— maggie 🌟 (@supportwoso) April 16, 2022

After the break, Houston came out on the front foot, with Groom heading in a well-placed María Sánchez cross at the back post to equalize in the 59th minute.

Perfect Cross + Perfect Finish = @sheabayy2 Goal! 😛⚽ @HoustonDash | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/7H6lkuOGbn

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

Pushing for a deciding goal, Kansas City capitalized off a failed Dash clearance in the 80th minute, as Victoria Pickett slotted in a loose ball for the game-sealing finish.

.@hellopickett didn't say hello, she said GOAL! ⚽🔥

#KCvHOU | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/T45mCR07hT

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2022

The 2-1 victory lifts the Current atop the Central Division standings, while Houston remains at the bottom of the group following three consecutive losses.