Lamar Cardinals hold on for 38-35 win over UIW

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (October 10, 2026) The Lamar Cardinals held on for a thrilling 38-35 victory over the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday at Provost Umphrey Stadium, extending its winning streak to four games and remaining undefeated in Southland Conference play.

The 10th-ranked Cardinals improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in league action after weathering a late surge from their San Antonio rivals.

Junior running back Jojo Uga (shown above, No. 0) powered the offense with a career-high 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Lamar piled up 275 yards on the ground and finished with 398 total yards in the hard-fought win.

The Cardinals seized control early, racing to a 24-7 first-half lead behind Uga’s scoring runs of 25, 57 and 4 yards. UIW answered with a touchdown in the final 11 seconds before intermission to trim the deficit to 24-14.

Lamar struck quickly after the break when Parker Jenkins broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run, stretching the advantage to 31-14. The Cardinals answered a subsequent 74-yard UIW touchdown pass later in the third quarter, then pushed the lead to 38-21 early in the fourth on a 3-yard scoring toss from Aiden McCown to Davin Driskell.

UIW refused to go away, scoring twice more to pull within three points with just over five minutes remaining. Lamar’s defense rose to the occasion, denying the Cardinals’ rivals a go-ahead score and forcing a turnover on downs. With 1:11 left, the Cardinals leaned on their ground game to run out the clock and seal the victory.

Lamar will aim to keep its streak alive next Saturday when it travels to Hammond, Louisiana, to face Southeastern Louisiana.

North Shore comes from behind to top Summer Creek

North Shore senior RB Kaden Brandley dives for the
end zone for a touchdown.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 9, 2026)  The North Shore Mustangs reminded everyone why they’re the defending Class 6A Division I state champions Friday night, roaring back from a 14-point hole to edge the Summer Creek Bulldogs 28-27 in a District 17-6A district matchup at Turner Stadium.

The No. 3-ranked Mustangs improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in district, stretching their winning streak to 13 games while exacting a measure of revenge for last season’s 27-0 regular-season finale loss to the Bulldogs.

For much of the night, though, it looked like Summer Creek was ready to pull off the upset. The Bulldogs seized control early when defensive back Caleb White scooped up a missed field goal and raced 107 yards the other way for a touchdown. White added an interception later, and Summer Creek’s defense kept the high-powered Mustangs offense in check long enough to build a 21-7 third-quarter lead.

North Shore refused to fold. Quarterback Javoris Taylor started the rally with a pair of touchdown strikes, while the Mustang ground game finally found traction. The comeback reached its peak with just 1:20 remaining when running back punched in a 5-yard touchdown to make it 26-21. Amari Louisville then converted the two-point try, giving North Shore a 28-21 advantage.

Summer Creek wasn’t done. White returned the ensuing kickoff 64 yards, setting up Braylin Causey’s touchdown on the very next play to pull the Bulldogs within one. But North Shore’s special teams answered the call, blocking the extra-point attempt and recovering the subsequent onside kick to seal the dramatic victory.

The Bulldogs drop to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in district play.

Pasadena volleyball tops Texas City 3-2 in UIL district play

Story and photo by Chris Price

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (October 9, 2026) The Pasadena High School volleyball teams swept a three-level match on Thursday evening, downing the Texas City Stingarees in freshmen, junior varsity and varsity action. The matches were held at Barfield Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena High School.

The varsity tallied a 3-2 win over Texas City, the match coming down to a crucial fifth set. The Lady Eagles won the first, fourth, and fifth sets to take the match by the scores of 25-18, 22-25, 18-25, 25-12 and 15-13.

At the junior varsity level, Pasadena topped Texas City 25-13, 25-15. The freshmen squad added to the trifecta with a 2-0 win (25-12, 25-13).

Submitted photo.

Earlier in the season, the Lady Eagles varsity faced Texas City twice and split the matches. On August 29, Pasadena won 2-0 (25-22, 26-24) in the Dobie Longhorns tournament. Five days later (September 4), Texas City came out on top in both teams first district matchup 3-1 (22-25, 14-25, 25-22, 23-25).

Prior to the varsity match, senior middle blocker Kirstin Kelly (shown left with Pasadena HS head volleyball coach Carmen Martinez) was honored for being the second Pasadena volleyball player in school history to achieve the century mark (100-plus) in career blocks.

Houston Dynamo FC drops 2-0 decision to Sporting KC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 26, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, a result made tougher by playing more than half the match with 10 men.

The evening still carried meaningful moments for the club. Captain Artur reached his 150th appearance across all competitions for Houston. Striker Lyle Foster also made his Dynamo debut as a second-half substitute. The South African international, who represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 World Cup, arrived on loan from Burnley in the latest transfer window.

Houston’s night grew complicated late in the first half. Midfielder Héctor Herrera received a red card in stoppage time after officials judged he pushed a Sporting player during a pause in play. The Dynamo were forced to play the entire second half a man short.

Kansas City took the lead in the 27th minute. Stephen Afrifa recovered a loose ball near the touchline inside the box and found André Luiz, who finished to put the visitors ahead. Just before the break, Luiz cut in from the right and delivered a low ball into the six-yard box. Calvin Harris turned it home to make it 2-0.

Despite the deficit and later numerical disadvantage, Houston created several chances. In the 31st minute, Lawrence Ennali slid a low pass into the area from the right. Agustín Bouzat struck it first time, forcing Sporting goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland into a foot save. Three minutes later, Guilherme’s corner found Herrera’s head, but Cleveland claimed the effort. In the 66th minute, Guilherme won a free kick five yards outside the box and took it himself. His shot on target drew a diving stop from Cleveland that preserved the shutout.

After the international break, the Dynamo open a two-match road trip. They visit Minnesota United FC on Saturday, October 10, before facing San Diego FC on Wednesday, October 14.

Pasadena Eagles down South Houston in UIL volleyball action

Senior middle blocker Kirstin Kelly
serves for the Lady Eagles.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price 

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

SOUTH HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 25, 2026)  The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team faced South Houston High School on Friday evening for the second time this season and came out on top for the second time in 2026.

The Lady Eagles downed the Lady Trojans in straight sets, 3-0. In the first set, the Eagles took a 1-0 lead with the score of 25-9. In the second set, the score was a bit closer, with Pasadena going 2-0 in the match with the score of 25-17.

In the third set, the Lady Eagles clinched the match, 25-12 for the second win of the season against South Houston.

Earlier in the season, on August 18, Pasadena defeated South Houston, at Barfield Gymnasium 3-0.

With the win, The Lady Eagles move to 11-14 on the season, while the Lady Trojans fall to 3-23.

Next up for Pasadena will be a Tuesday, September 29 home matchup against the Santa Fe Indians, while South Houston will play Friendswood on the road. Both matches are scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CDT start.

Houston Dynamo FC draw 2-2 with FC Cincinnati

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 19, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC had control of the match for most of Saturday night, but a late penalty kept the team from earning all three points.

The Dynamo played FC Cincinnati to a 2-2 draw at Shell Energy Stadium after building a two-goal lead early in the second half.

Guilherme (shown left) gave Houston the lead in the 38th minute with a curling free kick that found the inside of the net. The goal was his 14th of the season and gave him 22 total goal contributions, a new single-season Dynamo record.

The 31-year-old Brazilian now has 14 goals and eight assists this season. His 22 goal contributions moved him past the previous club record of 21, set by Héctor Herrera in 2021 and Mauro Manotas in 2019.

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

Houston added to its lead in the 51st minute. After Agustin Bouzat (No. 19, right) was brought down inside the Cincinnati penalty area, Mateusz Bogusz stepped up and converted the penalty kick.

The goal was Bogusz's sixth of the season and marked his second straight home match with a goal.

Cincinnati began its comeback in the 73rd minute when Bryan Ramirez finished at the back post to make it 2-1.

The visitors completed the comeback in second-half stoppage time. Cincinnati was awarded a penalty after Bogusz was called for a foul on Kenji Mboma Dem inside the box. Kevin Denkey converted the chance to tie the match.

Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made six saves to keep the Dynamo in front for much of the night. Lucas Halter also made a key goal-line clearance in the second half.

The Dynamo remain second in the Western Conference at 13-8-5 with 44 points, the second-highest total through 26 matches in club history.

Houston returns home September 26 to host Sporting Kansas City for Noche de Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

HCU Huskies set program scoring record with 88-0 win over Arkansas Baptist

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 12, 2026)  Houston Christian University put together one of the biggest wins in program history Saturday night, crushing Arkansas Baptist 88-0 at Husky Stadium.

The Huskies scored on their opening play when Champ Dozier (Royse City HS, Dallas, TX) returned the kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. It was the second kickoff return touchdown of Dozier’s career and gave HCU an early spark.

After the Arkansas Baptist offense moved the ball 56 yards on its first drive, the HCU defense stopped the Buffaloes on fourth down. The Huskies quickly took advantage, driving 74 yards in seven plays for another touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

HCU continued to dominate throughout the first half. The Huskies scored touchdowns on each of their first six possessions and took a 62-0 lead into halftime. Elijah Harris (Clear Lake HS, Webster, TX) added to the big night with a 52-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Quarterback Cutter Stewart (Alice HS, Alice, TX) led the HCU offense, completing 5 of 10 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns. His biggest play was a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jamaal Hall II.

Hall had a huge game, catching three passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard receiving game for the Huskies. Ja'Ryan Wallace (Braswell HS, Braswell, TX) also caught two touchdown passes for 46 yards.

HCU kept attacking in the second half. Freshman Hayden Drinkard (George Ranch HS, Richmond, TX) made his college debut and rushed for 98 yards on 12 carries. He scored three touchdowns, including runs of 47, 8 and 16 yards.

The Huskies finished with 510 yards of total offense, including 275 rushing yards and 235 passing yards. HCU also held Arkansas Baptist to only 106 yards of offense and just seven rushing yards.

The defense recorded six sacks, tying the program record. Mike Sylvalie (Clear Springs HS, League City, TX) led the way with three sacks, while Rufus Toe (Holmes HS, San Antonio, TX) had a team-high seven tackles.

The 88 points set a new HCU single-game scoring record as the Huskies improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Southland Conference play.

HCU will hit the road next Saturday, September 19, to face UIW in San Antonio. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

2nd half goal by Utah gives Houston Dash 1-0 loss

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 12, 2026) The Houston Dash suffered a 1-0 loss to Utah Royals FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, with Mina Tanaka scoring the only goal of the match in the second half.

Tanaka broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, finishing a right-footed shot from inside the box after receiving a pass from Nuria Rábano. The goal gave Utah all three points and ended Houston’s hopes of earning a home win.

Houston created several chances but could not find the back of the net. Sarah Puntigam had an early shot blocked in the 11th minute, while Avery Patterson sent a corner-kick chance wide.

Kiki Van Zanten came close in the 38th minute, but her one-touch effort missed the target. Kate Faasse also had a chance early in the second half, with her shot hitting the outside of the net.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the match with five saves. She made four saves late in the first half before stopping Cece Delzer’s shot in the 61st minute.

Houston pushed for an equalizer after Tanaka’s goal. Kat Rader created two strong chances in the final 20 minutes, but Utah goalkeeper Mia Justus made the needed saves to preserve the shutout.

The match also marked an important milestone for midfielder Danny Colaprico, who made her 50th regular-season appearance for the Dash. Houston also honored Sophie Schmidt at halftime for reaching 150 league appearances earlier this season.

The Dash fall to 7-12-5 with 26 points. Houston next travels to face Boston Legacy FC on Sunday, September 20, at Centreville Bank Stadium. The match will air live on CBS Sports Network at 1 p.m. CT.

USA rolls past Czechia to finish Group Play 3-0

Photo courtesy of USA Basketball
Used with permission.

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

BERLIN, GERMANY (September 7, 2026)  The United States women’s basketball team finished group play at the FIBA Women’s World Cup with a dominant 105-64 win over Czechia on Monday night at Berlin Arena.

The victory improved the USA to 3-0 in Group D and marked the Americans’ third straight World Cup win over Czechia. The United States now moves on to the quarterfinals, where it will face either Hungary or Japan on Thursday, Sept. 10.

After a tough offensive game against Italy, the USA came out firing against Czechia.

The Americans scored 29 points in the first quarter while holding Czechia to 15. The 29 points were the USA’s highest-scoring quarter of the tournament. The team shot 50 percent from the field in the opening period and made four 3-pointers.

The strong start continued throughout the game. The USA shot 52.5 percent from the field, making 42 of 80 shots. The Americans also finished with seven 3-pointers and 32 assists.

All 12 USA players scored at least once, showing the team’s depth and unselfish style of play. Five players finished with at least three assists.

Breanna Stewart (No. 10, shown above) led the USA with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists. She also recorded a steal and a blocked shot. Stewart scored 11 points in the first quarter and had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists by halftime.

Stewart also continued her impressive World Cup record. She has now won all 23 games she has played in the tournament.

Napheesa Collier added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. The game marked her first World Cup, and her 12 points were a personal best in major international competition.

The USA defense was just as impressive. Czechia shot only 32.8 percent from the field and made just three of 30 3-point attempts.

With the group stage complete, the USA will now turn its attention to the quarterfinals and another step toward a World Cup title.

McNeese State dominates Texas Wesleyan in 52-0 shutout

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (September 5, 2026)  The McNeese State Cowboys displayed total dominance on Saturday night, shutting out Texas Wesleyan Rams 52-0 at Navarre Stadium in Lake Charles.

The win moved McNeese to 1-1 on the season, while Texas Wesleyan dropped to 0-2. The Cowboys finished the night with 500 total yards, including 280 passing yards and 220 rushing yards.

Quarterback Devin Lippold (No. 19, shown above) made his first career start and delivered a strong performance. The Clear Lake (TX) High School prep star completed 15 of 20 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns before leaving the game midway through the third quarter. His four touchdown passes were the most by a McNeese quarterback in a game since Cody Orgeron threw four in 2021.

Lippold connected with Solo Lewis for a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give McNeese a 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys then added a big play on special teams. Javon Davis blocked a Texas Wesleyan field goal, and Safir Stills-Bey picked up the loose ball and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. It was McNeese's first blocked field goal since 2024 and its first blocked field goal returned for a touchdown since 2002.

McNeese's defense continued to make plays. Sentario Willis intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards, setting up another touchdown. Willis has now recorded an interception in each of the Cowboys' first two games.

McNeese led 24-0 at halftime and continued to pull away after the break. Backup quarterback Brady Barrier added a touchdown pass to Wyatt Fontenot, while Marquez Davis scored on a 13-yard run late in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys held Texas Wesleyan to just 187 total yards, including 74 rushing yards.

McNeese will return to action Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Cowboys host Tarleton State at 6 p.m. Tarleton enters the game ranked among the top five teams in the FCS.

North Shore shows its championship poise in 27-17 win over John Curtis

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA (September 4, 2026)  The North Shore Mustangs passed another major test Friday night, rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis Christian Patriots 27-17 in a matchup of nationally recognized high school football programs.

For North Shore, the victory was more than just another win. It was an early-season statement from the defending Texas Class 6A Division I champions and one of the Houston area’s premier football programs.

The Mustangs improved to 2-0 with the road victory after opening the season with a 35-0 shutout of Lancaster. North Shore has now outscored its first two opponents 62-17.

North Shore controlled the first half against John Curtis, taking a 14-3 lead into halftime. The Mustangs scored seven points in each of the first two quarters before the Patriots responded with a strong third quarter.

John Curtis scored twice in the third period, turning a 14-3 deficit into a 17-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Instead of allowing the momentum to slip away, North Shore answered with its best football when the game was on the line.

The Mustangs scored twice in the final quarter to regain control and secure the 27-17 victory.

Mustang quarterback JaVoris Taylor played an important role in the victory, completing 12 of 17 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 64 yards. North Shore finished with 210 rushing yards and 108 passing yards.

The victory also extended North Shore’s winning streak to eight games, dating back to last season. The Mustangs finished the 2025 campaign 14-2 and captured another Texas state championship, continuing a remarkable run for the Galena Park ISD program.

Now 2-0, North Shore returns to Texas for another major test. The Mustangs will travel to Dallas to face South Oak Cliff on September 12 in Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC blanks LA Galaxy 1-0

Photo 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 15, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC blanked the LA Galaxy 1-0 on Saturday night at a sold-out Shell Energy Stadium, stretching their shutout streak to four straight wins. 

It was the first time in club history the team has strung together that many consecutive clean-sheet victories. Guilherme (shown left) provided the only goal in the 21st minute, coolly converting from the penalty spot after Lawrence Ennali was fouled in the box. 

The Brazilian’s 12th goal of the season also marked his 19th goal contribution. He has now been involved in 67.9 percent of Houston’s goals this year, the highest mark in MLS, and sits within striking distance of Sebastien Le Toux’s single-season record of 71.4 percent set with the Philadelphia Union in 2010.

The Dynamo have not allowed a goal in 372 minutes, the second-longest such stretch for the club over the past decade. Over their last 13 matches they sit atop the Western Conference form table with a 9-2-2 record and 29 points, and they remain undefeated across the past seven matches.

Los Angeles went down to 10 men in the 58th minute when Emiro Garces received a straight red for denying Ennali a clear goal-scoring opportunity just outside the area. In stoppage time Dynamo forward Aliyu Ibrahim was shown two yellow cards in quick succession and also dismissed.

Midfielder Ondrej Lingr reached a personal milestone with his 50th appearance in orange across all competitions. Houston now hits the road for a two-game swing, beginning Wednesday at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Pasadena concludes Jason Landers volleyball tournament with win

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 15, 2026) The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team concluded the three-day Jason Landers Tournament on Saturday with two matches in the Round 3, Group 1, Bronze Bracket, contested at Austin High School.

The Lady Eagles dropped their first match of the day 13-25, 18-25 to the Texas School for the Deaf. The lost placed them in the consolation game of the bracket, where they downed Manor New Technology High School 27-25, 25-21 to finish third place in the bracket,

Overall, Pasadena placed 15th out of the 30 teams competing in the tournament. After one day of rest and recovery on Sunday and training on Monday, they will face off against Pasadena ISD rival South Houston High School to begin District 20-5A competition. The freshmen and junior varsity action will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 5:30 p.m. at Pasadena High School.

Pasadena faces tough opponents on Day 2 of Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 14, 2026)  The Pasadena High School volleyball team went into Day 2 of the Jason Landers tournament with a 2-1 record from Day 1 and were looking to improve their overall tournament record with their three scheduled matches. The Lady Eagles ran into two tough opponents but were able to mount a comeback in the final match of the day.

Against their first opponent on Friday, they faced a tough Brownsville Rivera squad, who posted  a 2-0 record on Thursday.  In the first game, the Lady Eagles kept it close with a  23-25 score. However, they fell behind quickly in the second game; posting a 6-25 score to drop the match 2-0. Their next match saw Pasadena facing the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament, San Antonio Churchill. The Lady Eagles played hard, but could not overcome the Chargers; falling the two games, 13-25, 12-25.

In Pasadena’s third match of the day, they played a hard-fought match; coming away with a 2-1 win; 21-25, 26-15, 25-20, finishing the day with a 1-2 record. 

Moving on to Saturday, the Lady Eagles will play Texas School for the Deaf at Austin High School with an 11 a.m. start. At the conclusion of that match, they will face either Del Valle (2-4) or Manor New Technology (2-4).

Pasadena Eagles post 2-1 record after Day 1 of Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament

Pasadena MH Kristin Kelly (13) serving
against Travis High School. 

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 13, 2026) After defeating Baytown Lee in straight sets (25-8, 25-7, 25-6) on Tuesday night, the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team headed to Austin to compete in the Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament, hosted by Austin ISD. The Lady Eagles, who placed 5th in last year’s tournament, were seeded in Pool 4 for Thursday’s matches.

In their first contest of the tournament, Pasadena faced off against Austin LASA at Bowie High School. LASA, who placed 30th in last year’s tourney (3-5), fought a good fight against the Eagles, with Pasadena taking the match 25-22, 25-23.

Their second match in Austin, Pasadena took on Austin Travis High School, who placed 35th in the 2025 tournament with a 1-7 record. The Lady Eagles had no problem with the Lady Rebels, downing them 25-9, 25-14.

In the night cap match, Pasadena took on a stubborn Fort Bend Elkins squad, who was the 19th place team in 2025. After battling back-and-forth with the lead changing many times, the Lady Eagles dropped a 2-0 decision (16-25, 26-28) to Elkins.

After Day 1 of the tourney, Pasadena stands at 2-1, with a 3-1 record for the season. On Friday, they will take on Brownsville Rivera ECHS (2-0)  at 11 a.m., followed by San Antonio Churchill (3-0) at 12 noon. The Lady Eagles will face San Antonio Marshall (2-1) in their final match of the day, with first serve scheduled at 2 p.m. All three matches on Friday will be at Austin Bowie High School.

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 drop match to Gotham FC 1-0

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 1, 2026) The Houston Dash fought until the final whistle Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium but came up empty in a 1-0 loss to Gotham FC. Despite generating multiple quality chances and forcing six saves from Gotham goalkeeper Shelby Hogan, the Dash could not find an equalizer.

Houston controlled the early stages. In the opening minute, defender Paige Nielsen nearly opened the scoring with a long-range effort that rolled just wide of the far post. Moments later, Kat Rader intercepted a long ball and set up Kiki Van Zanten inside the box, only for Hogan to make the stop.

The Dash came even closer in the 12th minute when Rader unleashed a shot from the top of the penalty area that beat Hogan but struck the left post.Goalkeeper Jane Campbell preserved the scoreless deadlock with a key save against Jaedyn Shaw in the 14th minute. Gotham earned a penalty in the 18th minute, but Sam Kerr sent her attempt wide, giving Houston a lifeline.The visitors broke through early in the second half. 

In the 46th minute, Guro Reiten slipped a pass across the face of goal to Kerr, who finished from close range for the game’s only goal.Houston continued to press for a response. Maggie Graham, Lisa Boattin, Clarissa Larisey, Sophie Schmidt, and Rader all contributed to dangerous sequences, but Hogan repeatedly denied the home side.

A positive note for the Dash was the debut of forward Khyah Harper, acquired earlier in the week from Gotham. Facing her former club after entering in the second half, Harper created opportunities and nearly forced a late equalizer. In stoppage time, her cross found Sarah Puntigam, whose header was turned away by another diving save from Hogan.

TexSport Publications senior photographer interviewed on CW39 in Houston

By Chris Price

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 25, 2026) TexSport Publications senior writer Darla Tamulitis was interviewed in CW39 in Houston about her photography career and being selected by FIFA to photography the 2026 World Cup in Houston. Click on the video below to view the interview.

Ullmark’s stoppage-time goal lifts Houston Dash to victory over Bay FC

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

By Robert H Kelly 
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 24, 2026) The Houston Dash found a dramatic way to earn three important 

points Friday night, defeating Bay FC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium thanks to a stoppage-time goal from rookie midfielder Linda Ullmark (shown left).

After nearly 90 minutes of missed chances and strong goalkeeping, Ullmark finally broke the deadlock in the opening moments of second-half stoppage time. She turned inside the penalty box and fired a low shot inside the near post for her second goal of the season. Defender Avery Patterson earned her first assist of the year on the play, helping Houston secure its third stoppage-time game-winning goal of the 2026 NWSL season.

Ullmark stated after the match about how the atmosphere of Shell Energy played into the match:

“It felt great. The (Langham Creek HS) band was there and they're amazing, so the environment was really nice to play in. Thankfully it was a little cooler tonight, so that felt good as well. We have some amazing fans and I love when they come out here on a Friday night. It's really great and it gives us a lot of energy."

The goal also continued a strong season for Houston's rookie class. Dash rookies have now scored 10 goals this year, accounting for half of the 20 rookie goals scored across the league.

Houston created several scoring opportunities throughout the match. Rookie forward Kate Faasse nearly opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but her left-footed shot rolled just wide of the post. Moments later, Kat Rader missed by inches before Ullmark sent another effort just outside the frame.

The Dash continued to pressure Bay FC for much of the evening but could not find the finishing touch until the final moments.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell played a major role in the victory. The Dash captain recorded seven saves, including several key stops against Caroline Conti and Alex Pfeiffer. Her strong performance helped Houston earn its fourth clean sheet of the season.

Defender Leah Klenke also turned in an impressive performance. The rookie made a crucial block late in the first half to deny Karlie Lema inside the box and finished the match with a team-high seven clearances. Klenke continues to lead all NWSL rookies in minutes played this season.

Houston came close to scoring again in the 85th minute when Sarah Puntigam blasted a rebound from outside the penalty area. Her powerful shot struck both goalposts but somehow stayed out.

That set the stage for Ullmark's late heroics.

Houston Dynamo FC settles for 1-1 draw with D.C. United

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 22, 2026) Houston Dynamo FC kicked off their return to MLS action after the World Cup break with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against D.C. United on a sweltering Wednesday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, a season-high Wednesday crowd of 17,137 turned out to support the Dynamo, who maintained their strong home form with a 5-2-1 record this season.

The Dynamo seized the lead in the 40th minute through veteran midfielder Hector Herrera (shown above). A well-delivered free kick from Jack McGlynn was headed down into the path of the Mexican international, who showed superb control before firing a low shot past the keeper into the bottom right corner. It was Herrera’s second goal of the 2026 campaign.

D.C. United responded late, equalizing in the 78th minute when Tai Baribo rose to head home a delivery from Nathan Ordaz, denying Houston all three points

Making his Dynamo debut as a starter was new signing Duncan McGuire. The 25-year-old forward, acquired from Orlando City SC earlier this month, brought energy up front after a solid tenure with the Lions that included 32 goals across 109 appearances and three straight postseason appearances.

Both teams created dangerous moments throughout the contest. D.C. United’s Mateusz Bogusz tested goalkeeper Sean Johnson with sharp efforts in the first and second halves, while Houston threatened on set pieces.

The Dynamo now turn their attention to a Texas Derby showdown, continuing their homestand against in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. CT.