Ludmila scores in third straight game as Chicago Red Stars down Houston Dash 2-0

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Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson moves the ball against Seattle Reign defender Phoebe McClernon (21) during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson moves the ball against Seattle Reign defender Shae Holmes (25) during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Angel City FC forward Christen Press vies for the ball against Seattle Reign defender Phoebe McClernon, center, and defender Shae Holmes, right, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Seattle Reign midfielder Jaelin Howell (16) falls while colliding with Angel City FC midfielder Katie Zelem, back, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Angel City FC forward Christen Press looks on against Seattle Reign defender Phoebe McClernon, right, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Angel City FC goalkeeper DiDi Haracic collects the ball as defender Madison Curry (27) and defender Megan Reid, right, look on during the second half of an NWSL soccer match against the Seattle Reign, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Seattle Reign midfielder Jaelin Howell, front, falls while colliding with Angel City FC midfielder Katie Zelem, back, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Seattle Reign midfielder Ji So-yun clears the ball against Angel City FC forward Christen Press, left, during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. Angel City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Angel City FC goalkeeper DiDi Haracic blows a kiss to supporters after beating the Seattle Reign 1-0 in an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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Seattle Reign defender Phoebe McClernon reacts as time expires and Angel City FC wins 1-0 during the second half of an NWSL soccer match Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

By SUSIE RANTZ

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Ludmila scored a goal and earned a penalty shot as the Chicago Red Stars beat the Houston Dash 2-0 on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Ludmila headed in Mallory Pugh’s free kick in the 8th minute to get things started. It was the third straight game she had scored a goal.

Ally Schlegel scored a penalty just before halftime.

Chicago (10-11-2) has 32 points and sits in 6th place with three games remaining in the National Women’s Soccer League season. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

The Dash (4-14-5), who finished with 29 shots but only put two on target, remain in last place.

ANGEL CITY 1 , REIGN 0

M.A. Vignola’s first-half goal was all Angel City needed to earn a 1-0 road win over the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field.

Alyssa Thompson did a give-and-go with Vignola, who finished into the right corner in the 34th minute.

Thompson now has five goals and two assists in the last seven games.

Earlier this week, Angel City (7-12-4) was fined $200,000 and docked three points for salary cap violations. The win keeps them in playoff contention.

The Reign (5-13-5) fell to 12th place.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer