Despite 2nd half goals, Washington Spirit fall to Houston Dash

Sunday night’s game against the Houston Dash was a crucial step for the Washington Spirit to work their way up the NWSL standings, but a series of costly turnovers and poor positioning punished them in a 3-2 road loss. While Estefania Banini and Ashley Hatch both scored in the second half for the Spirit, a missed penalty kick from Mallory Pugh also cost the team. Rachel Daly scored the first and last goals for the Dash, with Kealia Ohai striking in between.

It was the third game in eight days for the Spirit, and head coach Jim Gabarra put Mallory Eubanks up top in Pugh’s spot, while also rotating Meggie Dougherty Howard in at left back in place of Caprice Dydasco. Dougherty Howard played a…