Houston Dash and Kansas City Current settle for 1-1 draw

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

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 8, 2026) The Houston Dash battled to a 1-1 draw against the Kansas City Current on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, earning one point to close out a three-game homestand.

Rookie forward Kat Rader (No. 22, shown above) scored the equalizer from the penalty spot in the second half, giving her seven goals this season. Rader continues to lead all 2026 NWSL rookies in scoring.

The draw gave Houston four points during its three-game homestand. The Dash finished the stretch with a 1-1-1 record.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the 44th minute. Debinha fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner for her fourth goal of the season. Croix Bethune picked up her eighth assist of the year on the play.

Houston answered in the second half after defender Allysha Chapman was fouled inside the box. Rader stepped up and calmly converted the penalty kick to tie the match.

The Dash continued to create chances as they searched for the winning goal. Maggie Graham hit the woodwork in the 59th minute, while Kiki Van Zanten followed with a shot that narrowly missed the target.

Rader nearly scored again in the 90th minute after a free kick just outside the box, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar. Clarissa Larisey also came close after creating a one-on-one chance late in the match.

Captain Jane Campbell made an early save to keep Houston within reach, denying Amelia White inside the opening minutes.

The match also marked an important milestone for Chapman, who made her 100th start for the Dash in all competitions. She became only the third player in club history to reach 100 starts, joining Campbell and Kealia Watt.

Khyah Harper also made her first start for Houston after joining the team from Gotham FC. Defender Natalie Hammond made her NWSL debut as a second-half substitute.

Houston will travel to North Carolina next weekend to face the North Carolina Courage. The Dash return home Aug. 19 to host Chicago Stars FC.

Houston Dash Suffer 3-0 Road Defeat to Kansas City Current

By Chris Price
Copyright 20'26 All Rights Reserved

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (May 16, 2025) The Houston Dash were unable to slow down a potent Kansas City Current attack, falling 3-0 on Friday night at CPKC Stadium. The reigning NWSL Shield winners capitalized on early momentum and a second-half turnover to secure a comfortable victory, handing Houston its latest road setback.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a ball whipped into the box by forward Michelle Cooper eluded the grasp of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and nestled into the far post. Moments later, Cooper turned provider again, picking out Temwa Chawinga at the near post to make it 2-0. The Current added a third goal in the 68th minute after forcing a turnover in midfield and converting the transition opportunity.
Despite the lopsided result, several bright spots emerged for the Dash. Defender Allysha Chapman earned her first start of the 2026 season and logged her 107th regular-season appearance in a Houston shirt, placing her third on the club’s all-time list. In the second half, veteran midfielder Sophie Schmidt made her long-awaited return from a season-ending injury suffered last September, appearing for the 149th time in NWSL regular-season play.
The youthful energy of Houston’s 2026 rookie class was also on display. Four first-year players started the match, and all five earned minutes after defender Leah Klenke subbed on in the 60th minute. The group has combined for a league-leading 32 starts this season, signaling a clear commitment to developing young talent under head coach Fabrice Gautrat.
Offensively, the Dash showed occasional promise but struggled to finish. Captain Jane Campbell made a vital 26th-minute save to deny Croix Bethune and finished with two stops. Kat Rader, who leads the team with 16 chances created, tested the Current goalkeeper twice, while first-year midfielder Linda Ullmark, a full-time starter, forced a save from the edge of the box. Sophie Schmidt added two shots in limited minutes, and Sarah Puntigam generated a late shot on target.
Houston will now return home to Shell Energy Stadium for a crucial two-game homestand. The Dash host San Diego Wave FC on Wednesday, May 20, before facing Angel City FC on Saturday, May 23. 

Houston Dash, Kansas City Current battle to 1-1 draw

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 26, 2023) In an action-packed match that had soccer fans on the edge of their seats, the Houston Dash and Kansas City Current battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in the NWSL showdown at Shell Energy Stadium. The crowd was treated to an intense display of skill and determination from both teams, as goals from midfielders Lo'eau Labonta and Michelle Alozie lit up the scoreboard.

The match kicked off with high energy as both teams looked to assert their dominance on the field. The Current showcased their signature passing game, controlling possession and creating dangerous opportunities. On the other side, Dash displayed their trademark quick counterattacks, keeping The Current's defense on their toes.

Midway through the first half, Labonta seized the opportunity to put her team ahead. With a perfectly timed run into the box, she received a pinpoint cross from her teammate and expertly slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

However, thr Dash was not to be outdone. Just minutes into the second half, Alozie showcased her lightning-fast speed and skill, breaking through the Kansas City defense and firing a powerful shot into the top corner of the goal. 

As the clock ticked down, both teams continued to fight tooth and nail for the winning goal. The Kansas City goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves to deny Dash's attempts, while Houston's defense held strong against their opponent's persistent attacks. 

In the end, neither team could find the breakthrough they needed, and the referee blew the final whistle, confirming the 1-1 draw. Both sets of players showed immense sportsmanship as they exchanged handshakes and hugs on the field.