Boston Legacy FC
Boston hosts the Utah Royals at Gillette Stadium next Saturday.
The Legacy are without a goal through their first two NWSL matches. MARK STOCKWELL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
The Houston Dash turned up their press in the second half and pulled away from the visiting Boston Legacy, with two goals in a six-minute span highlighting a 3-0 victory at Shell Energy Stadium.
Kiki Van Zanten had her first career two-goal game, finishing off of sustained possession in the 43rd minute, then tapping home a Kat Rader pass in the 59th after her pressure on a back pass forced Legacy goalie Casey Murphy into a turnover. Rookie Rader scored her first as a pro in the 65th minute off another giveaway in the defensive end, slamming home a nifty pass Linda Ullmark made despite three closing Boston defenders.
Murphy finished with four saves, including stopping a 13th-minute Malia Berkely penalty after a Jorelyn Carabalí foul in the area. Boston’s 37 fouls through two matches are 11 more than any other team, and its six yellow cards (including two more Saturday) also lead the NWSL.
The Legacy (0-2-0) were credited with 11 shots, but forced just two saves from Houston’s Jane Campbell.
The defense was without opener starters Nicki Hernandez, who injured her thigh in the loss to Gotham FC, and Bianca St-Georges, who was suspended following her first-week red card.
Boston hosts the Utah Royals at Gillette Stadium next Saturday.
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