What is it with Ella Masar and the Boston Breakers? In the Houston Dash inaugural season, it was Masar scoring the first goal in franchise history against the Breakers in Boston.

The 29 year old Illinois native in a rare start up front since moving to the backline this season made the most of it this time against the Breakers once more. Her sliding goal in the 34th minute on a perfectly weighted pass from forward Jessica McDonald spelled the difference as the Houston Dash (6-8-5, 23 points) defeated Boston 1-0 in front of a crowd of 6,842 fans at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Dash captain began the season on the backline taking over for the injured Stephanie Ochs who converted last year to the backline for Randy Waldrum’s squad. In the home finale, with a full complement of players available, Masar got the nod at forward.

“My plan wasn’t to keep her at outside back as long as we did,” said Waldrum following the match. “It was one of necessity. You see what she brings to you, that’s your skipper, that’s your captain, somebody that puts their heart and soul into it, somebody who throws themselves in front of a moving train if she has to. The goal was typical of the kind of goal she scores.”

Kealia Ohai, the Dash second year forward had a perfect seat for what would prove to be another important goal in Houston Dash history on Military Appreciation night.

“She is the heart of our team,” said Ohai describing what Masar means to the team. “She’s a great captain and I’m really happy for her. She’s a great player.”

Masar’s goal gave franchise the its sixth win of 2015, the most in team history but the goal was more than just for the team. The seven year veteran, a walk-on at the University of Illinois dedicated the goal to her grandmother.

“I am emotionally tired,” explained Masar her voice breaking a bit. “For me with going home to see my grandma, this was for her. She’s on her last leg, it’s my dad’s mom and I got to spend the night Friday night with her. It’s emotional and I got back and I scored a goal.

Masar has had some of the franchise’s biggest goals. Not only did the forward score the first ever franchise goal against the Boston Breakers and the first ever home goal against her former team the Chicago Red Stars but then she added the goal that gave the franchise its best ever win/loss record in the NWSL. Following her goal against the Red Stars, the charismatic Dash veteran ripped off her jersey ala Brandi Chastain of Women’s World Cup fame and the NWSL frowned upon it.

“I think that’s my trademark as a goal scorer,” said Masar of her patented jersey celebration. “They (NWSL) took a hundred bucks out of my paycheck. I might as well make it worth it, right? Do the goal celebration. It was fun. It was a great ball in by Jess (Jessica McDonald) and I just had to redirect it.”

Masar also gained a yellow card for her exuberant display but for Dash fans they’ll take it every time if it means goals and wins.

The Houston Dash travel to Chicago in the 2015 season finale with an opportunity to finish fifth in the NWSL table after completing their inaugural season in last place. The match is set to kick-off Sunday afternoon September 6 at 4:00p.m. CDT.