Sunday, June 15, 2025

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

Friday, June 13, 2025

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.

Friday, June 06, 2025

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."