Houston Dash shut out Boston Legacy FC 3-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, Copyright 2026, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 21, 2026)  The Houston Dash continued their impressive start to the 2026 season with a commanding 3–0 victory over Boston Legacy FC on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.

With the win, Houston improved to 2–0 for the first time in club history. The Dash also posted their second straight shutout, showing strength on both ends of the field. Captain Jane Campbell anchored the defense once again, recording her 44th career clean sheet. The match drew 10,259 fans, marking the largest home opener crowd in team history.

Houston broke through just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, forward Kat Rader (shown below) connected with midfielder Linda Ullmark, who quickly set up Kiki Van Zanten (shown above). The midfielder calmly finished to give the Dash a 1–0 lead heading into the break.

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

Van Zanten struck again in the second half. In the 58th minute, Rader delivered a precise pass into the box, and Van Zanten finished from close range for her second goal of the match. She became the first Houston player to score multiple goals in a game since 2024.

Rader added to her standout performance in the 65th minute. After winning the ball along the sideline, she stayed with the play and scored her first professional goal, sealing the 3–0 win. The rookie also became the first new player to score in the National Women's Soccer League this season.

Houston had an early chance to take the lead, but defender Malia Berkely saw her penalty kick saved by Boston goalkeeper Casey Murphy in the eighth minute.

Campbell made two key saves, including an early stop on Alba Caño, to preserve the shutout.