Houston Dynamo FC Falls 3-1 to CF Montréal at Home

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 14, 2025)  The Houston Dynamo FC lost 3-1 to CF Montréal at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, despite a strong effort from the team. The game showcased some big moments, including a goal from midfielder Ondřej Lingr and a milestone for midfielder Nico Lodeiro.

Montréal struck first in the 30th minute when Prince Owusu scored with a right-footed shot. Just two minutes later, Owusu added another goal with a header, putting the Dynamo in a tough spot. In the 54th minute, Jalen Neal made it 3-0 for Montréal with a header from a set piece.

Houston fought back in the 64th minute when Lodeiro sent a perfect pass to Lingr, who headed the ball into the net for his third goal of the season. This assist was Lodeiro’s 92nd in MLS history, ranking him 10th all-time in the league. Defender Franco Escobar also celebrated his 150th MLS regular-season game after coming on at halftime.

The Dynamo had other chances to score. Early in the match, forward Ezequiel Ponce nearly scored with a powerful header that went just over the bar. Later, midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk forced a save from Montréal’s goalkeeper with a sharp shot. In the 67th minute, Lingr and Escobar almost teamed up for another goal, but Escobar’s header hit the post and was cleared away.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made two big saves, including a quick reaction stop in the 76th minute. Despite the loss, the Dynamo showed fight. They’ll look to bounce back when they face Minnesota United FC on June 25 at Allianz Field

Houston Dash rally falls short against San Diego Wave FC

Credit: Houston Dash

Story by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 13, 2025) The Houston Dash fought hard but lost 3-2 to San Diego Wave FC on at Shell Energy Stadium. The match was part of the team’s annual Pride Night and marked their final home game before the league break.

San Diego struck first, scoring in the 17th minute after a loose ball was finished by Kenza Dali. The Wave added a second goal in the 36th minute when Hanna Lundkvist’s cross found Adriana Leon. In the 51st minute, Delphine Cascarino sent in a cross that María Sánchez finished, giving San Diego a 3-0 lead.

Houston didn’t give up. In the 61st minute, Katy native Bárbara Olivieri took a free kick, made space, and scored a beautiful goal from outside the box—her second of the season.

Seven minutes later, Yazmeen Ryan scored her first goal of the year. After winning a battle for the ball at midfield, she dribbled into the box and fired a shot into the top corner of the net.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith kept the Dash in the game with seven saves, including two early stops in the first half.

The Dash hit the road next week to face the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, June 21. They return home on July 8 to host Rayadas de Monterrey in a friendly match.

CC Calallen takes UIL state baseball title over Pleasant Grove

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS (June 6, 2925) The Calallen Wildcats have ended a 17-year wait by winning the UIL 4A Division I State Baseball Championship. On Friday, they defeated Texarkana Pleasant Grove 5–3 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. This victory marks Calallen's fourth state title in school history.

Junior pitcher Drayton Mitchell (shown above holding plaque) played a key role, earning MVP honors. He pitched over five innings, striking out six batters and allowing only three runs. Mitchell also contributed offensively with two hits. "I couldn't have done it without my team," Mitchell said. "We worked every day, and this was our goal."

Senior Cody Andrade came in as a relief pitcher and closed the game with 1.2 innings, striking out five batters and giving up just one hit. "I felt the groove going," Andrade said. "My defense has my back like always."

The Wildcats trailed early but took the lead in the fifth inning when senior Chase Lynch hit a go-ahead RBI single. "I live for the big spots," Lynch said. "Everyone supports me to go and get the big knock.

Head coach Steve Chapman praised his team's effort, saying, "They play really hard, they're talented, and they have a never-say-die attitude."

Lake Travis forces game 3 with strong pitching against SA Johnson

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) Lake Travis kept its season alive with a big 3-1 win over San Antonio Johnson in Game 2 of their UIL Class 6A regional quarterfinal playoff series. The win ties the best-of-three series at 1-1 and forces a Game 3 to decide who moves on.

The star of the game was Lake Travis pitcher Luke Falcon. He was nearly perfect on the mound, throwing a complete game and giving up just one run. Falcon kept the Johnson hitters off balance all night with smart pitches and great control.

Lake Travis got a strong start at the plate, scoring early runs to take the lead. Solid defense and smart base running also helped the Cavaliers stay ahead.

San Antonio Johnson had won Game 1 of the series, 6-4, and hoped to close it out in Game 2. But Lake Travis had other plans, showing toughness and focus in front of their home fans.

Game 3 will now decide which team moves on in the Texas high school baseball playoffs. Both teams have shown they can win, so the final game should be exciting.

For Lake Travis, Falcon’s performance was a key moment in their playoff run. If they bring the same energy to Game 3, they’ll have a great chance to keep their season going.

Lake Creek downs Hallsville 12-1 for state softball title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) The Montgomery Lake Creek Lions softball team achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the Hallsville Bobcats 12-1 to win the 2025 UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. This win marks their third state title in four years and concludes a perfect 37-0 season.

The game, held at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin, saw the Lions take an early lead with two runs in the first inning. Hallsville managed to score once in the third, but Lake Creek's offense exploded in the fifth inning, adding six runs to their tally. They continued to dominate, scoring additional runs in the sixth and seventh innings. In total, the Lions amassed 14 hits and committed no errors, while Hallsville was limited to just two hits and four errors.

Junior pitcher Sara Wiggins (shown above, holding plaque) delivered an outstanding performance, pitching a complete game with 11 strikeouts and allowing only one run on two hits. Her efforts earned her the Finals MVP title. Wiggins also contributed offensively with a hit and two RBI.

Offensively, the Lions were led by Miranda Orso, Madalyn Davis, and Gracee Brewer, each recording three hits. Orso had two doubles, two RBIs, and scored twice. Davis added a triple, and Brewer contributed with a single and an RBI.

Under the guidance of head coach Candyce Carter, Lake Creek has established itself as a powerhouse in Texas high school softball. Since the program's inception in 2019, the Lions have achieved an impressive overall record of 228-22, including two undefeated seasons. Their combined record during their championship seasons in 2022, 2023, and 2025 stands at a remarkable 122-1.

Calallen Lady Wildcats make history with 3rd straight state title

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 30, 2025) The Calallen Lady Wildcats softball team has achieved something truly special. On Friday, they won their third straight UIL Class 4A Division I state championship by defeating the Andrews Mustangs 9-2 at Red and Charline McCombs Field in Austin. This victory makes Calallen one of only two Texas high school softball teams to win three state titles in a row, joining Coahoma High School.

The game started strong for Calallen. In the second inning, junior Braelyn Bailey hit a two-run single, giving her team a 4-0 lead. Later, in the sixth inning, Bailey hit a grand slam, a home run with the bases loaded, pushing the score to 9-0. She finished the game with six RBI and was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship.

Pitcher Jordyn Thibodeaux also played a key role. She struck out nine batters and allowed only one hit over five innings. Her strong performance kept Andrews from scoring early in the game. Senior Bianca Gonzalez came in to pitch the final two innings.

Four Houston-area teams set for UIL state baseball semifinals

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 28, 2025)Four Houston-area high school baseball teams are one step away from the state championship. Atascocita, Tomball, Kingwood, and are all headed to the UIL Class 6A state semifinals this week.

In Class 6A Division I, Atascocita (30-11-2) will take on Lake Travis (25-10-3) at Blue Bell Park in College Station. Game 1 is Thursday at 6 p.m., Game 2 is Friday at 6 p.m., and Game 3 (if needed) is Saturday at 6 p.m. The winner will move on to face either Prosper or Waco Midway in the state title game on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. in Round Rock.

In Class 6A Division II, Tomball (32-6-1) is matched up with Flower Mound Marcus (30-11). Their series will be played at Georgetown High School, with games Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and a possible Game 3 on Saturday at noon.

Kingwood (36-3), one of the top teams in the state, will play Dripping Springs (28-10) in Victoria. Game 1 is Thursday at 7 p.m., Game 2 is Friday at 7 p.m., and Game 3, if needed, is Saturday at 7 p.m.

The winners of the Tomball and Kingwood series will meet in the Division II title game at noon on Saturday, June 7, in Round Rock.

Big games are ahead for these Houston squads as they chase a state title.

Houston Dash battle back to earn 2-2 draw against Bay FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2025)  The Houston Dash ended their two-game homestand with a 2-2 draw against Bay FC on Saturday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium. It was a back-and-forth game, but the Dash showed heart and finished strong to earn a point.

Houston took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to a great team play. Midfielder Bárbara Olivieri dribbled past four Bay FC defenders and passed to defender Avery Patterson. Patterson controlled the ball outside the box and scored with a powerful shot to the top corner. It was her second goal of the season.

Bay FC tied the game in the 53rd minute when Penelope Hocking broke past the Dash defense and scored. Just minutes later, a turnover by the Dash led to another Bay goal. Racheal Kundananji found Rachel Hill at the near post to put Bay FC ahead 2-1.

The Dash didn’t give up. In the 88th minute, Olivieri and forward Messiah Bright worked a smooth passing play near midfield. Bright dribbled toward the box and sent a low shot into the far corner for her first goal of the season. Olivieri now has two assists on the year.

The Dash had chances to win the game. In the 91st minute, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten hit the post, and moments later Maggie Graham also hit the woodwork.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a solid night, finishing with six saves. She stopped a header in the 35th minute and stayed busy all match.

The Dash now hold a 1-1-1 all-time record against Bay FC. They’ll travel to San Jose for a rematch on August 2.

Up next, the Dash hit the road to face the Orlando Pride on Saturday, June 7. They return home on Friday, June 13 to host San Diego FC.

Colleyville Heritage downs El Paso Americas in close UIL baseball playoff game

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

MIDLAND, TEXAS (May 17, 2025) In a hard-fought playoff game, Colleyville Heritage held off El Paso Americas High School with a 6-5 win in the UIL Class 5A Division I area round of the Texas high school baseball playoffs. 

Americas jumped out to an early 4-1 lead after the second inning. Senior catcher Daniel Quiñones helped the Trail Blazers get started with a strong hit in the first. Junior pitcher Jayden Perales also added a big hit in the second inning.

But Colleyville Heritage fought back. They scored five runs over the next four innings to take a 6-4 lead. Americas added one more run in the sixth inning to make it 6-5, but couldn’t catch up.

Even though they lost, Americas had a great season. They finished with a 30-8 record and won the District 1-6A championship. 

Houston Dash fall to Portland Thorns FC 4-1

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash 

By Robert H Kelly 

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 16, 2025)  The Houston Dash dropped a 4-1 decision to Portland Thorns FC on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. This was the first game of a two-game homestand for the Dash.

Portland scored their first goal in the 26th minute and added another just four minutes later. They scored two more goals; one in the 54th minute and one from a penalty kick late in the game.

Houston’s only goal came in the 75th minute. Forward Michelle Alozie forced an own goal after a pass from Barbara Olivieri. Alozie dribbled into the box and her shot deflected off a Portland defender and into the net.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a busy night and finished with three saves. She stopped two strong shots early in the match and kept the Dash in the game during the first half.

The Dash had some chances to score. Messiah Bright and Maggie Graham nearly connected on a play in the 21st minute. Delanie Sheehan also had a close shot just before halftime. Newcomer Kiki Van Zanten made her regular season debut in the second half and almost scored in the 82nd minute.

The Dash will finish their homestand next Saturday, May 24, when they take on Bay FC for Kids Day at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC drop 2-0 decision to LAFC

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LOS ANGELES,  CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC lost 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at MBO Stadium in Los Angeles. This game ended a five-game streak where the Dynamo had not lost to LAFC.

LAFC scored their first goal in the 10th minute. Nathan Ordaz kicked in a loose ball in the box. Their second goal came late in the 79th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse scored with a strong left-footed shot.

Even though Houston lost, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond had a big night. He made six saves in the first half, tying a team record. He finished with eight saves total.

Captain José Artur de Lima Junior made his 200th regular season start in MLS. It was a special moment for the veteran midfielder.

Defender Franco Escobar got a red card in stoppage time after receiving his second yellow. He will miss the Dynamo’s next MLS match.

Houston had a few chances to score. In the 65th minute, Escobar crossed the ball to Ondřej Lingr, who headed it just wide of the goal.

The Dynamo now turn their focus to the U.S. Open Cup. They’ll face Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 7, in Arizona. The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. CT.

Houston Dash fall short after long night of delays

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dash came up short on a stormy Friday evening, losing 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday. The game had two long weather delays, including one that lasted nearly two hours.

The Dash started strong and took the lead in the 9th minute. Forward Ryan Gareis passed the ball to defender Avery Patterson, who dribbled into space and scored with a great long shot to the far post. It was her first goal of the season and second goal ever for the Dash.

Louisville answered quickly. In the 20th minute, Kayla Fischer scored from the top of the box to tie the game. They took the lead for good in the 71st minute when Emma Sears got behind the defense and scored.

The Dash had a few chances early. In the 7th minute, Delanie Sheehan sent a cross to Patterson, but her header was saved. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a big save in the 29th minute and added two more before halftime to keep the Dash in the game.

In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan won a free kick that gave Houston a scoring chance. Barbara Olivieri got a shot off, but it was stopped. Patterson stayed active, taking four shots on goal and making six defensive recoveries.

Late in the game, the Dash pushed hard for a tying goal. Michelle Alozie forced a save in the 89th minute, and Evelina Duljan had a shot blocked in the final moments. But Louisville’s defense held strong and took all three points.

The Dash split their two-game homestand and now get ready to face Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, May 11 at Lumen Field. They return home to play the Portland Thorns on Friday, May 16.

Ondřej Lingr scores late equalizer in Dynamo debut to secure 2-2 draw

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a dramatic 2-2 draw over the Colorado Rapids at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, thanks to a last-minute goal from new midfielder Ondřej Lingr.

Lingr, who joined the Dynamo from SK Slavia Prague last month, made his debut in the 75th minute, making an instant impact by scoring in the 96th minute to tie the game. The play started with midfielder Jack McGlynn sending a deep ball into the box. Defender Franco Escobar headed it across goal to Lingr, who dove to head the ball into the far corner.

Forward Amine Bassi (shown above) gave Houston the lead earlier in the night with a goal in the 42nd minute. The play began with defender Griffin Dorsey and midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk working a quick passing move to find Bassi in the middle of the box. It was Bassi’s second goal of the season. Kowalczyk now has assists in back-to-back matches.

The Rapids tied the game in the 59th minute after a penalty was called against Houston defender Femi Awodesu. Djordje Mihailovic scored from the spot to make it 1-1. Mihailovic helped Colorado take the lead again in the 77th minute, setting up Rafael Navarro for a goal to the far post.

The match also marked the debut of goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who recently joined from Watford FC. Bond made a key save in the 20th minute, stopping a close-range shot from Mihailovic.

Kowalczyk nearly scored early in the game after a pass from Bassi, but his low shot was saved by Rapids keeper Zach Steffen. McGlynn also had a good chance in the 24th minute, but Steffen was there to block it.

Houston head coach Ben Olsen stated after the match:

“It was a great moment for him (Ondřej Lingr) to score the equalizer at theend. The substitutes came in and gave us really good energy. We played at a high level for large portions of the match tonight. We are growing, creating chances and looking more like us in the way we want to play. We are just making it hard for ourselves, but it sure beats losing. But it doesn't beat winning.”

The Dynamo will stay home next week to face in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC earn 1-1 draw on the road against LA Galaxy

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

CARSON, CALIFORNIA (April 13, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC picked up a point on the road Saturday night, earning a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Forward Ezequiel Ponce (shown right) scored his second goal of the season in the 14th minute to give the Dynamo an early lead. The play started with midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk driving into the box and passing to forward Amine Bassi. Bassi then found Ponce near the goal, and the striker finished the play with a strong shot. It was Bassi’s first assist of the season.

The match was also special for Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen. It marked his 100th match in charge of the team across all competitions. He becomes just the third coach in club history to reach that number.

The Galaxy tied the match in the 57th minute with a free kick goal by Diego Fagundez.

The home team had to play with only 10 players for most of the game. Defender Zanka was given a red card in the 28th minute after a hard foul on Ponce just outside the box.

Houston had other chances to score. In the 6th minute, Ponce had a free kick that just missed. In the 61st minute, he came close again when his header hit the post. Midfielder Jack McGlynn also had a late chance, but his long shot went just over the crossbar in the 91st minute.

Goalkeeper Blake Gillingham made a big save in the first half, stopping a one-on-one shot in the 19th minute.

The Dynamo will return home next weekend. They host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April 19 at Shell Energy Stadium for Space City Night.

Highland Park forfeits state soccer title after using ineligible player

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2025) It was a night of highs and lows for the Highland Park boys soccer team. On Friday, they celebrated their biggest win ever, a 2-0 victory over Liberty Hill in the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. But just hours later, the team had to give up the title.

Highland Park staff found out after the game that one of their players was not eligible to play. After a quick investigation, the school confirmed the mistake and reported it to the University Interscholastic League, which oversees high school sports in Texas. According to UIL rules, a team must forfeit any game where an ineligible player takes the field. So, Liberty Hill was awarded the state championship.

This would have been Highland Park’s first-ever state soccer title. The team had only made it to the state championship game once before, back in 1987. Players, coaches, and fans were excited to make history, but that celebration didn’t last long.

In a statement posted on social media, Highland Park ISD shared the news with parents and fans, saying, 

“Highland Park High School has confirmed the student's ineligibility, and the district will be self-reporting the incident to the UIL immediately. This results in a forfeiture in the state championship game.” 

They also thanked the team for their hard work and sportsmanship during the season.

Highland Park’s situation is not the only one this season. Progreso High School also had to forfeit a playoff match earlier in the tournament because of an ineligible player. Their semifinal game was canceled just minutes before it was supposed to start.

Houston Dash fall to Angel City FC 3-1 at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 12, 2025) The Houston Dash dropped a 3-1 decision to Angel City FC in their return to league play on Saturday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium.

Angel City scored early in the game, taking the lead in the eighth minute after a deflected shot landed at the feet of Macey Hodge. Eleven minutes later, Riley Tiernan doubled the lead with a shot to the near post.

The Dash fought back in the second half. Forward Barbara Olivieri (center in photo) scored her first goal of the season in the 61st minute. The play started with Messiah Bright sending the ball wide to Yazmeen Ryan, who then crossed it to Olivieri for the goal. It was Ryan’s first assist with the team.

Angel City sealed the win with a third goal from Alyssa Thompson in the 86th minute.

Defender Christen Westphal made her Dash debut and helped earn the team’s first corner kick early in the match. Forward Diana Ordóñez, returning from injury, almost scored on that play, but her shot was saved.

Defender Katie Lind reached a big milestone with her 150th league appearance.

Olivieri was quoted after the match:

"Obviously, disappointed with the loss. I feel like we created a lot of chances, especially in the second half. So, it's definitely disappointing, but it feels good to see the progress throughout the game and just progress in general. I feel like we were moving the ball a lot better. It's good to see progress, but we're definitely frustrated and disappointed with the loss.”

The Dash will head to Kansas City next weekend to take on the Current at CPKC Stadium on Saturday, April 19. They return home on Friday, April 25 to face the Utah Royals.

Houston Dynamo FC downs LAFC 1-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC picked up a big win on Saturday night, beating LAFC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Midfielder Jack McGlynn scored the only goal of the game, giving the Dynamo their third clean sheet of the season.

McGlynn, who also plays for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scored in the 58th minute. He hit a strong left-footed shot from outside the box that landed in the bottom right corner of the goal. Defender Griffin Dorsey got the assist, his second of the year.

McGlynn almost scored earlier in the match, testing LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the 10th minute with a powerful shot.

Rookie goalkeeper Blake Gillingham played a strong game for Houston. He made two big saves to keep LAFC off the scoreboard. His first came in the 35th minute, when he stopped a close-range shot with his foot. His second was in the 80th minute, diving high to stop a tough header from LAFC’s Eddie Segura.

This win keeps the Dynamo’s streak alive. They are now unbeaten in their last five regular season games against LAFC and have not allowed a goal in any of them. Houston has outscored Los Angeles 8-0 over that time.

Next, the Dynamo travel to California to play the LA Galaxy on Saturday, April 12.

McNeese Cowboys upset Clemson in NCAA Tournament

Photo courtesy of  Daniel Fritz, Used with Permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (March 30, 2025)  In a thrilling NCAA game, the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers with a 69-67 victory, marking McNeese's first-ever win in NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament . ​

The Cowboys started strong, taking advantage of Clemson's in the first half; scoring only 13 points, their lowest in the many years. ​

McNeese's defense was relentless, causing Clemson to shoot just 5-of-24 from the field and commit 10 turnovers in the first half. ​

In the second half, Clemson attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap significantly. However, McNeese held firm, with key plays from Javohn Garcia and Christian Shumate. ​

Off the bench, Brandon Murray (shown above) led the Cowboys with 21 points, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.

This victory propels McNeese into the second round, where they will face the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers, who recently secured a 75-63 win over High Point. ​

Houston Dynamo FC downs El Salvador 2-1 in friendly matchup

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a 2-1 victory over the El Salvador National Team in a friendly match at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday evening. This was the first time Houston played against a national team, and they made the night memorable with a solid win.

El Salvador got off to a fast start, scoring in just the fifth minute, when Jairo Ferrurino curled a right-footed shot from outside the box to give his team an early lead. But Houston responded quickly. Just one minute later, midfielder Diego Gonzalez controlled the ball off his chest and fired a powerful volley into the top right corner of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

The game remained even until the 74th minute when Houston took the lead. Midfielder Nico Lodeiro sent a set-piece cross from near the right corner flag, which deflected off an El Salvador defender. The ball landed in front of defender Franco Escobar, who finished the play with a header to score the winning goal.

The match also featured several Dynamo debuts, including Felipe Andrade, Exon Arzú, Andy Batioja, Michael Halliday, Júnior Urso, and Gonzalez. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made his first start for Houston as well.

The Dynamo will now shift their focus back to MLS play as they travel to face the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, March 22.

Houston Dynamo falls 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC came up short in a tough 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the Dynamo couldn’t find a late equalizer.

Real Salt Lake struck early, scoring in the first minute when Emake Eneli set up Diego Goncalves for a quick goal. Houston responded in the 16th minute when Ezequiel Ponce scored his first goal of the season. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect free-kick to the back post, where Ponce’s strong header found the net.

Salt Lake regained the lead just before halftime. Diego Luna finished a cross from Dominik Marczuk with a header, making it 2-1.

The game saw a key moment in the 37th minute when Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell left with an injury. Jimmy Maurer made his club debut as a replacement and later made a big save in the 53rd minute to keep Houston in the match.

Houston nearly took the lead earlier in the game, but Amine Bassi’s 20th-minute goal was overturned by VAR for offside. In the 88th minute, Ethan Bartlow had a close chance to tie the game, but his header was saved and hit the post.

The Dynamo will next face the El Salvador National Team in a friendly on March 19 before returning to league action against the Seattle Sounders on March 22.

Houston Dash fall in 2025 home opener vs. Washington Spirit

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS ( March 14, 2025) The Houston Dash fought hard but couldn’t complete a comeback, falling 2-1 to the Washington Spirit in their home opener. This was the first game for new head coach Fabrice Gautrat, who took over the team in January.

Washington took an early lead in the 16th minute when Ashley Hatch forced a save from Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell (shown above). The ball bounced to Makenna Morris, who scored the first goal of the match. The Spirit doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after Chloe Ricketts hit the crossbar, and Hatch was there to score on the rebound.

The Dash kept pushing and found their goal in the second half. Midfielder Maggie Graham made her professional debut when she entered the game in the 60th minute. Just minutes later, she scored her first goal, finishing a play that started with a cross from Avery Patterson and a redirection from Ryan Gareis.

Houston had several chances to equalize, including a late shot from Yazmeen Ryan in stoppage time, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Campbell made two saves, while defender Katie Lind returned to the field for the first time in over a year after maternity leave.

The Dash will now hit the road to face Chicago Stars FC next weekend before returning home on March 28 to host NJ/NY Gotham FC at Shell Energy Stadium.