McNeese Cowgirls serve up victory in Southland Conference clash

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (October 28, 2023)  The McNeese Cowgirls volleyball team ended their week on a high note with an impressive 3-1 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce in the Southland Conference. 

The Cowgirls, with a record of 13-14 overall and 11-3 in the Southland Conference, outshined their opponents. The match saw an intense battle with both teams fighting for control, but McNeese's trio of McKenzie Moore, Carissa Chainey, and Tshilanda Diouf shone bright, all recording double-digit kills. Moore led the way with an outstanding 13 kills, while Chainey and Diouf contributed 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Notably, Diouf finished the game with an incredible .714 hitting percentage, making 14 attempts without a single error.

In the back row, Bailey Tillman and Kendall Osgood proved to be invaluable assets for McNeese. Tillman, with her 18 digs, showcased her defensive prowess and even entered the Top 10 in McNeese career digs with a total of 1,242. Osgood also displayed her skill with 15 digs, marking her seventh match with double-digit digs this season.

The match unfolded in four sets, with each team displaying remarkable resilience. McNeese started strong, with the first set showcasing a back-and-forth struggle until the Cowgirls, led by Sanni Rantanen's powerful serves, secured a convincing lead. They eventually won the set with consecutive kills from Diouf.

In the second set, the Lions of A&M-Commerce made an early lead, but the Cowgirls clawed their way back into the game, tying the set at 10 all and eventually claiming the victory with Chainey's fierce serving and Moore's crucial kill.

The third set brought suspense as McNeese aimed for a straight-set win, but A&M-Commerce managed to steal the set with a late surge. However, McNeese stormed ahead in the fourth set, securing an early lead and ultimately closing out the match with Chainey's 12th kill.

HCU Huskies hold off Texas A&M-Commerce with 17-13 win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 28, 2023) In an exciting clash on Saturday afternoon at Husky Stadium, the Houston Christian University Huskies managed to secure a hard-fought Homecoming victory against the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions. The final score read 17-13 in favor of the Huskies, improving their home record to 3-1 and leveling their Southland Conference record at 2-2.

The game got off to a slow start in the first quarter, with both teams trading punts on their initial possessions. However, the turning point came when the Lions had the ball at their own 35, and a pass from Lion's quarterback, Josh Magana, was intercepted by Isaiah Cash at the HCU 49-yard line. Cash's interception set the stage for a fantastic play, with wide receiver AJ Wilson tossing a 12-yard pass to Karl Reynolds in the end zone, putting the Huskies on the scoreboard with a 7-0 lead.

The Huskies maintained their lead, and their offense continued to impress. Quarterback Colby Suits connected with Deuce McMillan on a 37-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0. The Lions weren't about to give up, though, and they responded with a one-yard touchdown run by Jordon Hamilton, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

As the first half was coming to a close, the Huskies were on the move again, and kicker Dillon Fedor made a career-long 50-yard field goal to send them into halftime leading 17-7.

The third quarter saw both teams having extended drives, but neither could put any points on the board. Fedor had a chance for a 47-yard field goal but missed, and the quarter ended with the score still at 17-7.

However, the Lions weren't ready to give up the fight. As time expired in the third quarter, a pass by Suits was intercepted by Jaden Rios, who returned it for an 86-yard touchdown. An unsuccessful extra point left the score at 17-13, setting up an intense final quarter.

The Lions started moving the ball with determination in the fourth quarter, making it down to the HCU 25-yard line with just 1:57 left on the clock. On a crucial third-and-10 play, Magana took a shot at the end zone, but Cash came up with his second interception of the game, sealing the win for the Huskies.

The Huskies' defense played a vital role in the victory, with Cash's two interceptions leading the way. Junior linebacker Rodney Dansby was a tackling machine, leading all players with 14 tackles. The defense also got in on the action with a sack from Charles Gonzales, and Jalyx Hunt and Joe Cadette combined for another.

Quarterback Colby Suits had an impressive performance, completing 21 of 32 passes for 242 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Karl Reynolds had a standout game, with nine catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Deuce McMillan also contributed with five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Jesse Valenzuela led the ground attack for HCU with 50 yards on 16 carries.

This win keeps the Huskies' home record strong and evens their SLC record at 2-2. Unfortunately, HCU's game at Northwestern State has been canceled, so their next scheduled game is on Saturday, November 11, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they will face the McNeese Cowboys.

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USA 3X3 Basketball opens Pan American Games with victories

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SANTIAGO, CHILE (October 22, 2023) The U.S. women's team never allowed the Dominican Republic to take the lead, clinching a resounding 22-11 victory. Blake Dietrick set the tone with a score on the opening possession, and the American squad sprinted to a commanding 10-3 lead within the first three minutes. Azurá Stevens led the charge with an impressive performance, contributing 10 points, including a remarkable 3-0 run during a 6-0 U.S. scoring spree midway through the game. Cierra Burdick chipped in with five points to bolster the team's efforts.

Dietrick's clutch 2-pointer pushed the USA's lead into double digits at 17-7 with just under four minutes remaining in the game. Lexie Hull sealed the deal with her second 2-pointer, ending the contest with 3:07 on the clock. The U.S. women exhibited an all-around performance, highlighting their skill, teamwork, and dominance on the court.

The men's team didn't waste any time, storming to a 6-0 lead within the first minute of the game against El Salvador. Their exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, with seven 2-pointers in the game, was the key to their 22-8 triumph. Jimmer Fredette led the charge with nine points, including the game-ending bucket. He was on fire, sinking four crucial 2-pointers that kept the scoreboard ticking for the U.S.

The game also featured an impressive 8-0 American run just before the 5-minute mark and a 7-0 run to conclude the game in style. Dylan Travis contributed six points to the team's victory, while Canyon Barry was right behind with four. Kareem Maddox, with his defensive prowess, played a significant role in limiting El Salvador to just five baskets in the entire game.

Houston Dynamo FC secures Decision Day victory over Portland Timbers FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 21, 2023) In a thrilling match on Decision Day, the Houston Dynamo FC clinched a fantastic 3-1 win against the Portland Timbers FC at Providence Park on Saturday. The victory not only capped off their regular season on a high note but also secured them homefield advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 series against Real Salt Lake.

For the Dynamo, this win held special significance. It marked the first time they had earned a point from a visit to Providence Park since 2015. Their last regular season victory in Portland dated all the way back to the 2011 campaign. It was a sweet moment for the Dynamo players and their dedicated fans.

The action started early, with Houston taking the lead in the 11th minute. Defender Griffin Dorsey made a crucial clearance at the far post, leading to a corner kick. Captain Hector Herrera delivered a perfect cross that found Dorsey at the near post, opening the scoring. This goal was Dorsey's second of the season and marked Herrera's 16th assist of the MLS campaign.

The Dynamo extended their lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute when midfielder Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla seized an opportunity in the box and found the back of the net. Carrasquilla, who is an international player from Panama, celebrated his third goal of the season.

Dorsey wasn't done making an impact. In the 72nd minute, he scored his second goal of the night, putting the game out of reach for Portland. Herrera played a key role in the build-up, setting up Carrasquilla, who then delivered the ball to Dorsey. This goal completed Dorsey's first professional brace, and Herrera's involvement earned him his 17th assist of the season, breaking the club record for the most assists in a single season. The previous record was held by Brad Davis, who finished with 16 assists in 2011.

Portland managed to pull one back in the 80th minute when forward Felipe Mora found a way to get a shot past Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark. Clark had an impressive game, making several crucial saves, including one in the fifth minute to deny a free kick.

The Dynamo had numerous opportunities to increase their lead, with forward Amine Bassi coming close in the 14th minute and midfielder Artur making a vital stop to deny Yimmi Chara's attempt in the 19th minute. The Dynamo had a goal ruled offside in the 26th minute when Corey Baird found the back of the net following a save from Nelson Quiñónes. Clark made another important save in the 30th minute to keep the Dynamo in the lead.

With this win, the Houston Dynamo FC secured fourth place in the Western Conference with a 14-11-9 record, earning them homefield advantage in the upcoming Round One Best-of-3 series against Real Salt Lake.

This season has been a remarkable one for the Dynamo, with the team achieving success on multiple fronts. They clinched the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship last month and qualified for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. This is the first time they have competed in the regional tournament since 2019. Additionally, the Dynamo reached the Round of 16 in the inaugural League's Cup earlier this year, defeating strong Mexican teams like CF Pachuca and Santos Laguna.

HCU football shuts out Prairie View A&M in dominant display

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 14, 2023) The HCU football team showcased their prowess on the gridiron with an impressive 30-0 victory over Prairie View A&M in their latest non-conference showdown. The Huskies, who have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, secured their second shutout win of the year, leaving their fans at Husky Stadium brimming with excitement.

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that the Huskies were determined to make a statement. Their defense came out firing on all cylinders, forcing Prairie View to punt after just five plays that gained a mere 12 yards. Karl Reynolds returned the punt with style, sprinting 29 yards to set up the Huskies with excellent field position. From there, it was only a matter of time before Dillon Fedor booted a 19-yard field goal to put HCU on the scoreboard, with 9:08 left on the clock.

But the Huskies were not content with just a field goal; they had their sights set on the end zone. After another fantastic three-and-out defensive stand, the offense took the reins. Jesse Valenzuela led the charge with a breathtaking 32-yard rush, and a precise Colby Suits pass to Reynolds advanced the ball well into Panther territory. Suits, showcasing his accuracy, then connected with Ismael Fuller on a short cross that turned into a spectacular 42-yard touchdown. With six minutes still to go in the first quarter, the Huskies were firmly in control with a 10-0 lead.

In the second quarter, HCU's punt took an unexpected bounce, hitting a Prairie View player and landing in the waiting arms of Caleb King at the Panther's 36-yard line. This fortunate turn of events gifted HCU with prime field position, and it only took them five plays to find the end zone. Valenzuela displayed his power with a five-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Huskies' lead to 17-0. The HCU defense continued to shine, forcing another three-and-out, which set the stage for RJ Smith's 22-yard dash to the end zone. At halftime, the Huskies were cruising with a commanding 24-0 lead.

The third and fourth quarters saw Dillon Fedor add two more field goals, from 21 and 26 yards, respectively, to pad HCU's lead. Meanwhile, the defense continued to stifle Prairie View, limiting them to a meager 42 yards of offense in the second half.

HCU's offensive output was nothing short of impressive, accumulating a total of 445 yards. They maintained a balanced attack, with 246 rushing yards and 199 through the air. RJ Smith emerged as the standout with his first 100-yard rushing game of his career, amassing 108 yards on 14 carries, and notching a touchdown. Smith's achievement marked the third time this season that a Husky running back has rushed for over 100 yards, joining the ranks of Champ Dozier and Darryle Evans. Valenzuela also made his presence felt with a touchdown and 87 yards on 13 carries, while Suits contributed with 58 rushing yards on six carries.

In the passing game, Colby Suits was in command, completing 19 of 28 attempts for 166 yards and one touchdown. Suits showcased his versatility by connecting with ten different receivers, with Karl Reynolds leading the pack with five receptions.

Defensively, the Huskies stood tall, allowing Prairie View a mere yard per rushing attempt, holding them to a paltry 20 yards on 22 carries. Prairie View's quarterback, Trazon Connley, struggled against the relentless HCU defense, going 12-of-19 for just 90 yards. Xavier McIntyre was the standout defender for HCU, racking up 10 tackles, including one for a loss. Rodney Dansby, Devion Hargrove, Zae Smith, and Judas McKenzie all contributed solo sacks, and the Huskies collectively amassed seven tackles for loss. Safety Caleb Flagg showcased his skills with his second career interception, returning the ball for 23 yards.

With a bye week ahead, HCU will have time to rest and regroup before their next challenge. On October 28th, they'll face Texas A&M-Commerce at Husky Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC dominates Colorado Rapids with impressive 5-1 victory

Credit: Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 7, 2023)  In an exciting soccer showdown, the Houston Dynamo FC displayed their strength by defeating the Colorado Rapids with a commanding score of 5-1 at Shell Energy Stadium. This thrilling win not only brought joy to their fans but also secured their spot to host an Audi MLS Cup Playoff match, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere for soccer enthusiasts.

This season, the Houston Dynamo FC has been nothing short of impressive when playing on their home turf. They've notched an impressive record of 15 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses in all competitions. This remarkable performance has catapulted them into a position where they could finish as high as fourth in the fiercely competitive Western Conference standings.

The Dynamo's recent run of success has been nothing short of remarkable, boasting a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses in all competitions since returning to MLS play after the Leagues Cup on August 20. During this incredible stretch, they've outscored their opponents by a stunning margin of 27-8.

The Dynamo didn't waste any time asserting their dominance in the match. In just the third minute, defender Erik Sviatchenko and captain Héctor Herrera combined brilliantly with a one-two sequence at the edge of the box. The ball was then played wide to defender Griffin Dorsey, who spotted forward Nelson Quiñónes unmarked at the far post, allowing Quiñónes to notch his fourth goal of the year.

Five minutes later, the Dynamo doubled their lead when midfielder Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla played a perfectly placed ball over the top to Corey Baird. Baird, in turn, found fellow attacker Amine Bassi at the opposite post, resulting in the second goal of the first half and Bassi's impressive 10th goal of the season.

Quiñónes continued to shine, scoring his second goal of the evening in the 28th minute with a spectacular long-range effort from outside the box. This marked the 21-year-old's first brace for the Dynamo and added to the team's growing lead.

Baird further solidified his performance in the 41st minute, tallying the fourth goal of the evening. This goal came following a swift counterattack led by Carrasquilla, who skillfully played the ball wide to Baird. With this goal, Baird equaled his single-season goal record from his rookie season with Real Salt Lake in 2018.

The match featured a remarkable moment for Houston as it marked the second time this season that the Dynamo scored four goals in a single half, harkening back to their dominant performance against Portland on August 20.

Although the Rapids managed to prevent a clean sheet in the 53rd minute, courtesy of a goal by Cole Bassett, Houston responded with a fifth goal in the 84th minute. Bassi showcased his skills yet again, finding midfielder Artur with a pinpoint chip at the back post. The Brazilian didn't miss a beat, burying the ball into the far corner and securing his second goal of the season.

5A Pine-Richland upends 6A No. 1 Pittsburgh Central Catholic 26-19

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

GASTONIA, PENNSYLVANIA (October 6, 2023)  In a Friday night showdown that will be remembered for years to come, the Pine-Richland Rams, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, pulled off a thrilling upset against Class 6A's top-ranked Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings team, winning 26-19 in a nonconference showdown at Pine-Richland Stadium. This unexpected victory had fans on the edge of their seats as the Rams rallied to snatch the win from their formidable opponents.

The Rams (4-3) entered the game as underdogs, but they played with a fierce determination that left everyone in awe. Ethan Pillar was the star of the night, setting a school record with an astounding 297 rushing yards on 56 carries. His relentless effort and incredible performance will be etched in Pine-Richland's history books.

The game didn't start as smoothly as Pine-Richland had hoped, as they found themselves trailing 16-14 at halftime. The Vikings (6-1) had been averaging a remarkable 50 points per game before this contest, making the Rams' challenge even more daunting.

However, the tide began to turn in the third quarter when Central Catholic committed two crucial turnovers via fumbles. These turnovers shifted the momentum firmly in Pine-Richland's favor. Talan Hill-Ressler's electrifying 37-yard touchdown run after one of these turnovers put the Rams ahead 20-16. But Pillar was far from finished. He extended Pine-Richland's lead to 26-16 with a 46-yard run, followed by a 3-yard scoring run after Central Catholic's second lost fumble. Pillar's remarkable performance showcased his incredible speed, agility, and determination.

Vasilios Balouris's heroic fourth-and-2 stop with 3:06 left in the game sealed the victory for Pine-Richland. It was a moment of pure grit and determination that left the Rams' fans erupting in celebration.

The Vikings, who had been cruising through their schedule with a high-powered offense, couldn't find their usual rhythm against Pine-Richland's tenacious defense. Jacob Sassic had a couple of standout moments with a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 42-yard pass from Payton Wehner, but it wasn't enough to secure the win for Central Catholic.

This upset victory was a significant turnaround for Pine-Richland, who had suffered a tough 45-10 loss to Class 6A No. 2 North Allegheny just a week prior. Central Catholic, on the other hand, had been dominant throughout the season, making this upset all the more impressive.

Photos from the games, by senior photographer Darla Tamulitiis can be viewed here.

Houston Dynamo FC shines in latest victory, Head Coach Ben Olsen and players earn honors

By Chris Price

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 21, 2023) Houston Dynamo FC is on fire, and their recent victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC is proof of their determination and skill. The team, led by head coach Ben Olsen, captain Hector Herrera, and defender Griffin Dorsey, secured an impressive 4-1 win at Shell Energy Stadium, landing them in fourth place in the Western Conference.

This victory extends Houston's unbeaten streak to an impressive seven league matches, marking their best performance since August 2012. Furthermore, the Dynamo's presence in the top five of the conference standings through at least 25 games is a significant achievement, not seen since 2017.

Captain Héctor Herrera played a pivotal role in the win, opening the scoring in the 13th minute with a cleverly executed free-kick, which deflected off the Vancouver wall into the net. This goal marked Herrera's fourth of the season, and he also recorded his 14th assist, elevating him to second place in MLS for assists.

Griffin Dorsey, a standout defender, showcased his versatility by netting his first goal of the season in the 44th minute. His precise strike from the right side found the top far corner of the net, leaving Vancouver's defenders helpless. Dorsey also contributed defensively, winning possession four times and tallying two clearances.

Remarkably, Coach Ben Olsen was recognized for his leadership, becoming the second Dynamo coach to be named to the Team of the Matchday. This honor came after assistant coach Brendan Burke led the team to a 4-0 victory over LAFC while Olsen served a one-game suspension.

This season, eleven Houston players have been named to the Team of the Matchday, underscoring the team's depth and talent. With Herrera, Dorsey, and many other standout performers, the Dynamo are poised for a strong finish in the league.

The Dynamo's next challenge takes them to Children's Mercy Park, where they will face Sporting KC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT. Following that, they will travel to South Florida to compete against the formidable Inter Miami CF in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday, September 27.

Air Force soars to victory over Sam Houston State in defensive battle

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 9, 2023) In a showdown at the Salute to Service Classic at NRG Stadium, Air Force emerged victorious with a hard-fought 13-3 win over Sam Houston State on Saturday might The game was marked by tenacious defense from both sides, but it was Air Force's late surge that ultimately secured the victory.

The first half of the game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams battling fiercely to gain the upper hand. Sam Houston's defense showed great resilience, allowing only three points to Air Force in the opening half. The Bearkats' determination kept them in the game, despite their offensive struggles.

Sam Houston's offense struggled to find its rhythm until the third quarter, managing just 80 total yards in the game. The turning point came when fullback Emmanuel Michel broke free for a 22-yard gain. However, linebacker Kavian Gaither's relentless pursuit forced a fumble, and Dakerric Hobbs pounced on the ball at the Kats' 38-yard line.

This turnover gave Sam Houston a glimmer of hope. Running back Zach Hrbacek took charge, gaining 14 yards on three carries to penetrate Air Force territory for the first time. Quarterback Keegan Shoemaker contributed with an eight-yard keeper, and despite facing a daunting sack, he remained composed. A seven-yard pass to Hrbacek and a 10-yard connection to Ife Adeyi kept the drive alive.

Overcoming a holding penalty, Shoemaker demonstrated his poise, connecting with Noah Smith for a crucial 13-yard gain. This set the stage for Colby Sessums, who nailed a 45-yard field goal to end a six-quarter scoring drought for the Kats, leveling the game.

As the fourth quarter began, Air Force managed to break the tie with their second 42-yard field goal. The Falcon's unyielding defense continued to stifle Sam Houston, allowing them to regain control of the game. Fullback Owen Burk sealed the victory for Air Force with a five-yard touchdown run, putting the Falcons ahead by ten points with just over five minutes remaining.

HCU Huskies face tough game against Western Kentucky

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loco Photography, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 9, 2023) The HCU Huskies are hitting the road this Saturday under the leadership of head coach Braxton Harris, and they're gearing up for a challenging matchup against FBS and Conference USA rival, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

The Huskies are entering this contest with high spirits following a dominant season opener that saw them trounce Arkansas Baptist 66-0. This victory not only marked the third-highest point total in the program's history. The team showcased their prowess by accumulating an impressive 473 yards of total offense while holding the Buffaloes to just 132 yards.

Redshirt freshman Champ Dozier (#1, shown above) emerged as a star, rushing for 97 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolade. Jesse Valenzuela also made a big impact, averaging 20.7 yards per carry with 62 yards on three carries. Quarterbacks Colby Suits and Justin Fomby were in sync, completing 16 of 20 passes for 232 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Defensively, junior linebacker Josh Ferguson was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 3.5 tackles for loss, including an eight-yard sack. All-American linebacker Rodney Dansby led the team with 10 tackles, and Jalyx Hunt had a memorable moment with his first career "airfat" (an interception returned for a touchdown).

On the other side, Western Kentucky is coming off a solid 41-24 victory over South Florida, with senior quarterback Austin Reed leading the charge. 

Pasadena HS Varsity Volleyball downs South Houston 3-1

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price 
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 8, 2023) The Pasadena High School Eagles volleyball teams hosted the South Houston Trojans on Friday afternoon and evening to kick off their District 22-6A season on all three levels of competition 

The varsity squad pushed their district record to 1-0 after downing the Trojans 3-1 by the scores of 26-24, 26-28, 25-13, and 25-10.

The sub-varsity teams did not fair so well, with the Freshmen A squad falling 18-25 and 21-25. The B squad also dropped their match to South Houston, however the score was not available at the time of this article's publication.

In the junior varsity's match, the Eagles fell in straight sets 15-25 and 25-26.

Next up for the Eagles is a Tuesday, September 12 matchup against the Dobie Longhorns with a 4:30 p.m. start at the J. Frank Dobie HS main campus gymnasium.

Houston Dash fall short against San Diego Wave FC

Video courtesy of Houston Dash

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (September 3, 2023) In an intense showdown on the soccer field, the Houston Dash faced off against San Diego Wave FC, and it was a game that kept fans at the edge of their seats. Despite their best efforts, the Dash ultimately fell to the Wave 1-0, and here's how it all unfolded.

The turning point of the match came in the 33rd minute when Dash defender Michelle Alozie received a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. The video assistant referee reviewed the play, confirming the call and leaving the Dash with only 10 players on the field.

San Diego's Christen Westphal seized the moment and found Jaedyn Shaw inside the box, where Shaw netted the sole goal of the game.

The Dash fought back valiantly, with midfielder Marissa Viggiano's seventh-minute shot marking their first attempt. However, it sailed off target. Moments later, Kyra Carusa and Danielle Colaprico from the Wave both had opportunities, but their shots missed the mark.

Forward Nichelle Prince made her season debut, displaying incredible resilience after recovering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon in 2022. Although she helped spark a promising cross, the Dash couldn't convert the opportunity.

Defender Katie Lind made a crucial clearance in the 25th minute, preventing a potential threat from Alex Morgan. Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made nine saves throughout the match, showcasing her exceptional skills and marking her 402nd career save in regular season play.

As the second half began, Houston found themselves under heavy pressure. A close call came when Morgan's shot bounced off the crossbar, and Rachel Hill's header missed the target.

Dash defender Caprice Dydasco played a pivotal role, making a goal line clearance in the 62nd minute to deny Carusa. She ended the match with five clearances and two interceptions.

In the 82nd minute, Brazilian midfielder Andressa Alves made her debut for the NWSL and the Houston Dash, adding to the excitement for Dash fans. Alves had recently returned from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

HCU Huskies overpower Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes, 66-0

Champ Dozier (1) scored three TDs for the Huskies.
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 (September 2, 2023) The Houston Christian University Huskies scored the third most points in program history as they downed the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes by the score of 66-0 at Husky Stadium on Houston on Saturday. The win kicks off the "new era" of Huskies football under head coach Braxton Harris. 

The Huskies found the end zone on their first set of downs when quarterback Colby Suits connected with wide receiver Calvin Wiggins for 13 yards and the touchdown. Dillon Fedor converted the extra point to give HCU a 7-0 lead at the 12:54 in the first quarter. The Husky scoring drive consisted of four plays and 57 yards and lasted 1:12.

After both teams failed to make significant progress, HCU got the ball back late in the first quarter and drove 43 yards in six plays when Suits this time found wide receiver Karl Reynolds open for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Fedor again added the extra point with 3:22 remaining in the first quarter. 

Jalyx Hunt (13) returned an interception for a TD for HCU.
Photo by Darla S. Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

The Buffaloes took over and on their third play, quarterback Damon Mapp was intercepted by linebacker Jalyx Hunt, who returned the ball for the Husky's third touchdown of the night. With Fedor again splitting the uprights to give HCU a 21-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.

Arkansas Baptist got down into the Husky red-zone early in the second half, but after numerous attempts, and penalties on both sides, they had to settle for a field goal attempt. With the ball on the seven-yard line, David Anorve kicked the ball for a 27-yard attempt, which was blocked. HCU picked up the ball and tried to advance it, but was shut down by the Buffaloes.

The Huskies took over on the own 27-yard line and proceeded down the field; covering the 73 yards in five plays and 1:52 for their fourth touchdown of the evening. Running back Champ Dozier rushed the final 19 yards for the score. He also added HCU's fifth touchdown of the game with 5:13 remaining in the half, with a 16-yard run.

In the third quarter, the Huskies added 17 points to their total; from a 23-yard run by Dozier, a 20-yard run by Jesse Valenzuela, along with a 32-yard field goal and two extra points by Fedor, taking the score to 52-0 after 45 minutes of play.

In the fourth quarter, the Huskies mainly kept the ball on the ground in an attempt to run the clock out, however they scored two additional touchdowns. The scores came as a result of a 41-yard pass from quarterback Justin Fomby to wide receiver AJ Wilson, and a six-yard run by Darryle Evans.

Sults completed 7-of-11 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Fomby, in his backup role, was 7-of-7 for 93 yards and one TD. Dozier led all rushers with 11 carries for 97  yards and three touchdowns, while Wilson caught three passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Rodney Darsby tallied 10 tackles and one tackle for a loss.

Next up for the Huskies is a September 9 road trip to take on Western Kentucky with a 6 p.m. start. The Hilltoppers downed South Florida by the score of 41-24 in Bowling Green in their first game of the 2023 season.

Houston Dynamo FC look to extend unbeaten streak against LA Galaxy

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

By Chris Price

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 2, 2023)  Currently sitting in fourth place in a tightly contested Western Conference, Houston Dynamo FC are just eight points away from second place as they face off against the LA Galaxy, making every match crucial. This Saturday's game will showcase three players who have recently earned spots on their national teams for the upcoming FIFA break. Captain Hector Herrera, midfielder Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla, and goalkeeper Xavier Valdez will represent their countries, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.

In their most recent victory, the Dynamo triumphed over the Columbus Crew with a 2-0 win. Forward Corey Baird scored his 11th goal of the season, maintaining his impressive form. Herrera, meanwhile, provided an assist to Aliyu Ibrahim for the second goal and earned a spot on the MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday for his standout performance.

The Dynamo have already bested the LA Galaxy this season with a 3-0 victory, where Herrera scored a brace and Amine Bassi converted a penalty kick. With a slight edge in the all-time series at 14-13-10, the Dynamo are determined to extend their dominance.

Pasadena HS Volleyball downs Fort Bend Marshall on all levels

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS (September 1, 2023) The Pasadena High School Eagles volleyball teams travelled to Fort Bend Marshall on Friday afternoon to kick off their September schedule of games on all three levels of competition (freshmen, junior varsity, and varsity). The Eagles swept the Buffalos in straight sets in all levels.

Beginning with the freshmen squad, the Eagles came out on top by the scores of 25-17 and 25-13. There match was followed by the junior varsity, who also downed the Buffalos 27-25 and 25-14. The varsity concluded the evening with a three-set win; 25-16, 25-8, and 25-12.

The straight sets win for all the squads was the first of the season for the Eagles. Next up for the volleyball teams from Pasadena High School is a Tuesday, September 5 matchup against Baytown Sterling at Bob Barfield Gymnasium in Pasadena. 

North Shore Mustangs blank Spring Lions, 53-0

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 (September 1, 2023) The No. 2 ranked North Shore Mustangs scored 24 points in the first quarter on their way to a 53-0 win over the Spring Lions at Galena Park ISD Stadium on Friday evening.

The Mustangs, who are ranked number 10 in the nation by MaxPreps, pushed their season record to 2-0 and will look to extent their season winning record, when the play the Spring Westfield Mustangs at Planet Ford Stadium in Spring, Texas on Friday, September 8. The Mustangs are currently ranked number six by Dave Campbell's Football magazine and number 16 by Max Preps. The Mustangs' number two ranking is from Dave Campbell's magazine.

North Shore's win was a result of a complete team effort, with exceptional performances by senior quarterback Joshua Williams and junior quarterback Kaleb Bailey. Together, they directed the offensive drives that tallied all of the Mustangs' 53 points. Also adding to the performance was junior wide receiver Deion DeBlanc and junior running back D'Andre Hardeman.

After gaining a 34-0 lead at halftime, head coach Willie Gaston rotated new players onto the field in order to give his second and third string players needed playing time; which resulted in the substitutes scoring 19 points, to add to the shutout of the Lions.

Game action photos, by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, can be viewed by clicking here.

Tough loss for Needville at Little League World Series

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, Ll Vita Loca Photograph, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Taylor Hart
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA (August 27, 2023) A day after having its championship hopes dashed, Needville was unable to rebound in the third-place game at the Little League World Series.

Taiwan jumped out to an early lead and won 10-0 on Sunday at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, handing Needville its second consecutive loss after the team from the Houston area won its first four games at the international youth baseball tournament, reaching the U.S. final.

Needville, a town of about 3,000 residents in Fort Bend County, ended up placing fourth in its debut appearance at the Little League World Series.

Needville could not quite crack Taiwan pitcher Fan Chen-Jun, who struck out nine batters in a four-inning shutout, with the 10-run mercy rule shortening the game by two innings. Needville nearly scored in the top of the fourth to extend the game, when DJ Jablonski singled to center field with two runners on base and two outs, but Corbin Riddle was thrown out at home plate by Lin Wei-Hong to end the inning and the game.

Jablonski, Riddle, Jagger McRae and Heath Filipp, who doubled in the third, accounted for Needville’s four hits against Fan. He also led Taiwan offensively, finishing 2 for 2 with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored, while Liu You-An went 2 for 2 with a double and three RBIs.

Late goal by Nkosi Tafari seals 1-0 victory for FC Dallas over Austin FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

FRISCO, TEXAS (August 27, 2023) In an exciting showdown under the Saturday night lights at Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Austin FC. The game's decisive moment came in the 90+7minute, as Nkosi Tafari's header off Marco Farfan's cross found the back of the net, delighting the home fans.

The first half of the match was a tactical battle, with both teams carefully maintaining their formations and searching for openings. The action was tight, and opportunities were scarce. It was Austin FC's Alex Ring who managed to register the game's first shot on target, a low drive aimed at Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes. However, Paes was up to the challenge, keeping the score level.

As the second half got underway, the game began to open up, with both sides pushing harder for that all-important breakthrough. Austin FC's Owen Wolff tested Paes once again with a powerful attempt, hoping to break the deadlock. On the other end, Austin's goalkeeper Brad Stuver pulled off a remarkable save to deny Eugene Ansah, showcasing his shot-stopping skills.

However, the momentum took a shift when Austin FC found themselves down to 10 men after Dani Pereira received his second yellow card of the evening in the 67th minute. The numerical disadvantage made things even more challenging for the visitors, as they had to dig deep to keep Dallas at bay.

As the clock ticked down, Austin FC came agonizingly close to snatching victory in stoppage time. Jon Gallagher's shot took a deflection and hit the crossbar, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats. The near-miss was a testament to the team's fighting spirit, even when down to 10 men.

But it was FC Dallas who had the final say in this thrilling encounter. In the 97th minute, Marco Farfan delivered a precise cross into the box, and Nkosi Tafari rose above the defenders to guide a header into the net. The stadium erupted in cheers as Tafari's goal secured the three points for FC Dallas.