Müller’s Late Strike Rescues a Point as Thorns Draw Houston Dash 1-1

Photos by: Jesse Ortiz

For 75 minutes, the Portland Thorns did everything but score. Then Marie Müller found the net in the 85th minute, salvaging a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dash at Providence Park on Saturday night in front of 18,247 fans.

Game Flow Recap: An Early Setback

Houston struck first. In the 10th minute, Kate Faasse played Kat Rader in at the edge of the box, and Rader got to the ball ahead of the Portland goalkeeper to finish. It was Rader's 10th goal of the season, making her the first Dash player since Rachel Daly in 2018 to reach double figures.

Portland spent the rest of the night on the front foot. The Thorns held 55 percent of possession, outshot Houston 20 to 6, and won eight corners to the Dash's one. The problem was Jane Campbell. The Houston goalkeeper denied Sophia Wilson from inside the box just before halftime and made a point-blank save on Reilyn Turner in the 62nd minute.

Star Performer: Jane Campbell

Even on a night her team gave up a late lead, Campbell was the standout. Her four saves brought her season total to 108, leaving her five short of the NWSL single-season record of 113, a mark she set herself.

Turning Point: A Post, Then a Breakthrough

The match swung in a matter of seconds. In the 84th minute, Houston's Khyah Harper hit the near post with a chance that would have doubled the lead. A minute later, Wilson found Müller inside the box, and she struck a firm right-footed finish into the net.

It was Müller's second career NWSL goal, and the assist was Wilson's 20th in league play. Portland pushed for a winner in the closing minutes, but Houston held on.

Notes From Providence Park

Jessie Fleming made her 50th consecutive appearance for Portland. For Houston, the result ended a two-game losing run at Providence Park and gave the Dash their first point in Oregon since 2023.

What It Means

For Portland, the draw will feel like two points dropped on a night the Thorns controlled most of the play. The late response showed their fight, but the finishing will need to be sharper as the season winds down.

Portland stayed home for its next match, hosting Boston Legacy FC at Providence Park on October 3.