Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved |
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 8, 2025) Sophie Schmidt (shown below) delivered yet another late-game heroics for the Houston Dash, scoring in the 95th minute to lift her team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.
The veteran midfielder, who also netted a stoppage-time winner in the Dash’s previous match, struck again when Yazmeen Ryan beat her defender along the endline and set up Schmidt for the decisive goal, her second of the season.
North Carolina grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute after a VAR review turned a free kick into a penalty, with Riley Jackson converting from the spot. The Dash responded quickly as Kiki Van Zanten unleashed a powerful strike from distance in the 39th minute, curling it into the top right corner. The goal marked Van Zanten’s second in as many games.
Photo courtesy of Houston Dash, Used with permission
Houston created several scoring chances throughout the match. Delanie Sheehan came close in the seventh minute, Evalina Duljan hit the crossbar in the 42nd, and Danny Colaprico nearly scored in the 82nd. Ryan continued to threaten late, but it was Schmidt’s clinical finish that sealed the win.
Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the game with three key saves, including stops on Maliah Bell and Manaka Matsukubo in the first half and a late block on Ashley Sanchez in the 87th minute.
With the win, the Dash remain in strong form heading into their next match on August 17 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. They return home on August 24 to host Seattle Reign FC.