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Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved |
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights ReservedHOUSTON, TEXAS (April 3, 2026) The Houston Dash delivered a thrilling night of soccer on Friday, rallying late to defeat Racing Louisville FC 4–3 at Shell Energy Stadium. The dramatic finish pushed Houston’s unbeaten home streak to seven matches, dating back to last season, and gave the team nine points through its first four games of 2026.
The match had no shortage of excitement, as both teams traded goals and momentum throughout. In fact, it was the first game in National Women’s Soccer League history to feature four penalty kick goals.
Racing Louisville struck first in the 23rd minute. After a handball inside the box, Louisville was awarded a penalty kick. Taylor Flint stepped up and calmly converted to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
Houston answered before halftime. In the 39th minute, forward Kat Rader (shown above) was brought down inside the box, earning a penalty for the Dash. Rader took the shot herself and buried it, leveling the score at 1–1. The rookie continues to impress early in the season, now with two goals and one assist.
Louisville regained the lead just after halftime, scoring in the 48th minute off a rebound inside the box. But Houston wasted no time responding. Just two minutes later, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten dribbled to the top of the box and fired a shot past the goalkeeper to tie the match once again.
Van Zanten was not done. In the 67th minute, she struck again. After her first shot was blocked, she stayed with the play and finished the rebound with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. The goal gave Houston a 3–2 lead and marked her second brace of the season. She now leads the league in goals with four and has been one of the team’s hottest players, scoring four goals in her last two home matches.
Van Zanten spoke in the post-match press conference about the team aspect of the night's win.
“During off season, we worked a lot on our interpersonal relationships on the team; learning each other’s tendencies, what players like to do when they’re on the ball, that dictates my movements. What feels different is that I have confidence. This is my third year in the league and I had the pleasure of starting quite a few games last year and you get confidence over repetition. I also believe the chemistry in this group is great. We all have each other’s backs, which is so rare.”
Louisville fought back once more. In the 81st minute, they were awarded another penalty kick after a foul inside the box. Flint converted again, tying the game at 3–3 and setting up a tense finish.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked like both teams would settle for a draw. But Houston had one last push.
In the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time, Van Zanten was taken down inside the box, giving the Dash a final chance from the penalty spot. Midfielder Sarah Puntigam stepped up and delivered under pressure, scoring her first NWSL goal to secure a dramatic 4–3 victory.
The late goal sent the home crowd into celebration and capped off one of the most exciting matches of the season so far.
Houston created several chances throughout the night. Defender Leah Klenke recorded the team’s first shot early in the second minute, while goalkeeper Jane Campbell made key saves to keep the Dash in the game. Midfielder Danny Colaprico also played an important role, earning an assist and continuing to climb the league’s all-time minutes list.
The match also saw some important returns and debuts. Midfielder Sophie Schmidt rejoined the lineup after being removed from the season-ending injury list. Forward Messiah Bright made her first start of the season, and defender Lisa Boattin made her 2026 debut off the bench.
With the win, the Dash set a new club record for most goals scored through the first four games of a season. They also continue to build strong momentum at home.
Houston will now pause for the international break, with eight players leaving for national team duty. The Dash return to action on Saturday, April 25, when they host the North Carolina Courage at Shell Energy Stadium.
