HOUSTON — The Houston Dash defeated the Boston Legacy 3-0 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Kiki Van Zanten scored twice and Kat Rader added her first professional goal to secure the victory.

Van Zanten opened the scoring in the 43rd minute after sustained possession by the Dash. The forward doubled her tally in the 59th minute, tapping home a pass from Rader after pressuring a back pass and forcing a turnover by Casey Murphy. It was Van Zanten's first career two-goal game.

The Dash increased their defensive pressing in the second half. Rader capitalized on a giveaway in the defensive end to score her first professional goal in the 65th minute. Linda Ullmark made the pass to Rader despite pressure from three Boston defenders.

Boston Legacy had an early opportunity to take the lead when Jorelyn Carabalí fouled an opponent in the penalty area in the 13th minute. Casey Murphy saved the resulting penalty kick taken by Malia Berkely, one of four saves she made in the match.

The Legacy registered 11 shots in the match but could not find the back of the net against Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who made two saves. The loss dropped Boston Legacy's record to 0-2-0 after their first two matches of the season.

Boston Legacy has struggled with discipline early in the season, committing 37 fouls through their first two matches, 11 more than any other team in the league. The team has also received six yellow cards, the most in the league.

Several Boston players were unavailable for the match. Nicki Hernandez suffered a thigh injury in the previous match against Gotham FC. Bianca St-Georges was suspended following a red card in her first week of the season.

Boston Legacy will host the Utah Royals at Gillette Stadium next Saturday.