HOUSTON — The Houston Dash went down a player for 45 minutes in a brutally hot and humid match, but held on at home for a scoreless draw against OL Reign.
With the heat index near 110 degrees (43 Celsius) at kickoff, both teams had limited chances in a slower first half. Jordyn Huitema's shot on a breakaway went wide for the Reign, while a free kick from María Sánchez was pushed away by goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Just before halftime, Houston's Natalie Jacobs was given a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity when she fouled Tziarra King.
Even with the extra player, the Reign couldn't beat the heat and finished with just eight shots and only one shot on goal.
Houston (4-3-5) had the better opportunities in the second half, forcing a goal-line clearance from Ryanne Brown and five saves from Tullis-Joyce.
The Reign (6-4-2) were without three starters due to injuries, including midfielder Jess Fishlock and U.S. women's national team players Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe. Lavelle hasn't played since April 1, while Rapinoe injured her calf in the third minute last week. Both players are expected to recover soon, with national team training camps beginning on June 26 ahead of the Women's World Cup next month in Australia and New Zealand.
