Ben Olsen: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Post match press conference. February 21, 2026

Video by Robert H Kelly. TexSport Publications

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

 

Houston Dynamo FC opens season with 2-1 win over Chicago Fire FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 21, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off the 2026 MLS season in style on Saturday night, earning a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Brazilian attacker Guilherme Santos stole the show with two second-half goals in his club debut.

The win improved Houston’s all-time MLS home opener record to 11-2-8.

Chicago struck first in the 31st minute when forward Hugo Cuypers scored from close range to give the Fire a 1-0 lead. Houston had chances before halftime but could not find the equalizer.

The Dynamo broke through in the 67th minute. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect pass into space for Guilherme, who dribbled into the box and calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner to tie the match.

Guilherme was not done. In the 78th minute, a rebound from forward Ezequiel Ponce fell kindly in front of goal. Guilherme reacted quickly and slid a left-footed shot between the goalkeeper’s legs for the game-winner.

With his two goals, Guilherme became just the third player in club history to score multiple goals in his Dynamo debut and the first since 2020.

Houston’s new-look roster was on full display. Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, midfielder Agustín Bouzat, defender Lucas Halter and fullback Franco Negri all made their club debuts. Defender Antônio Carlos wore the captain’s armband in place of injured Artur.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made two key saves to keep the Fire from extending their lead, including a strong stop in the first half.

The Dynamo will continue their season-opening homestand next Sunday against Los Angeles FC, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.

Ryan goal, Smith saves push Houston Dash closer to playoffs

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 (September 19, 2025)  The Houston Dash took another step toward the playoffs Friday night with a 1-0 win over Chicago Stars FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Forward Yazmeen Ryan delivered the game’s only goal in the 28th minute. After forcing a Chicago turnover, Ryan sprinted into the box and calmly finished with her right foot into the bottom corner. The goal was her team-leading fourth of the season and her third since early August. She stated after the match:

“It’s always great to get three points, I’m super proud of the team for their defensive work and keeping a clean sheet. Everyone keeps us in games because we know that Chicago (Stars FC) has come back and had opportunities. I’m happy we got to shut them down.” 

Goalkeeper Abby Smith played a huge role in the win, making six saves to record Houston’s fourth shutout of the season. Smith denied several dangerous chances from Chicago, including a close-range shot early in the second half and a diving stop in the 76th minute. The night also highlighted Smith’s off-field impact, as the club recognized her as its nominee for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her work with Kids’ Meals Houston.

The match also marked the debut of defender Malia Berkely, who joined the Dash this week in a trade with North Carolina. Defender Anna Heilferty entered in the 80th minute for her first appearance since signing a short-term deal earlier this summer.

Houston created several chances to extend the lead, including a penalty kick in the 86th minute. Ryan stepped up to the spot, but U.S. national team keeper Alyssa Naeher guessed correctly and made the save.

With the victory, Houston improved to 7-9-5 (26 points) and now sits just two points below the playoff line with five games left in the regular season.

The Dash will travel to Washington, D.C. to face the Spirit on September 28 before returning home October 3 to host the Orlando Pride on Space City Night.