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Last night was opening night for the 2014 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season and league newcomers Houston Dash had their season opener at BBVA Compass Stadium against the defending league champions Portland Thorns. This game was not only big for the club but also for two ex Huskers Ari Romero and Jordan Jackson who were playing in their first NWSL regular season match.
Ari Romero wears the #2 jersey for Houston (the same number she wore at Nebraska) and played the full 90 minutes at right back while Jordan Jackson wears the #8 jersey and also went the full 90 minutes playing midfield in Coach Randy Waldrum's 4-3-3 attacking formation.
Can you spot the Huskers in this photo? (hint: they are in the bottom row)
The Inaugural Team Photo. #DashOn pic.twitter.com/8n71622IS7
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 13, 2014
The Huskers were able to connect with each other early in the match.
5' Dash get the first opportunity, Jackson's header off a Romero free kick goes high. Masar has a shot go out for a corner kick. #HOUvPTFC
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 13, 2014
The 8,097 fans in attendance watched Portland defeat Houston 1-0 in their inaugural regular season match. The Dash nearly equalized in extra time but had their goal called back for offside. Ari Romero had the only shot on goal for Houston in this match. For those interested, here is footage from last night's opening match which kicks off at 27:50 in the clip.
You can also check out the match recap from the NWSL and Houston Dash websites.
If you live in the Houston area, I highly recommend you attend a Houston Dash match to catch some quality women's soccer (and maybe bring some Husker gear) to support a couple former Huskers. Here is the full Houston Dash 2014 schedule with the season running from April to August.
If you can't make it to Houston or any of the other eight NWSL cities, I would suggest visiting the NWSL YouTube Channel where you can watch a live stream of all the matches this season.
I will try to keep tabs on Romero and Jackson throughout their first season in the NWSL and post their progress right here at Corn Nation! GO BIG RED!!!