Houston Dash fall to Utah Royals FC, 3-1

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 31, 2024) The Houston Dash ended their four-game homestand with a tough 3-1 loss to Utah Royals FC at Shell Energy Stadium. This game marked the end of a six-game streak without a goal for the Dash in league play.

Utah took the lead just before halftime, in the 44th minute. Ana Tejada found herself in the right spot when the Dash defense failed to clear a loose ball. Although Houston defender Tarciane tried to block the shot at the goal line, the referee, Gerald Flores, awarded the goal to Utah.

In the 55th minute, Utah doubled their lead with a penalty kick. The referee reviewed a foul by Dash forward Bárbara Olivieri and awarded Utah the penalty. Claudia Zornoza stepped up and scored to make it 2-0. Shortly after, Paige Monaghan added another goal for Utah on a breakaway run.

The Dash fought back in the 73rd minute when Brazilian forward Andressa scored her first regular-season goal of 2024. Andressa found space behind Utah’s defense, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and calmly finished for her second goal of the year.

Houston had a few chances to score earlier in the game. In the fifth minute, midfielder Sophie Schmidt forced a save with a shot from outside the box. Then, in the 11th minute, midfielder Elin Rubensson’s cross almost led to an own goal by Utah, but it was ruled offside after a video review.

Despite some late opportunities, the Dash couldn’t close the gap. Tarciane’s free kick in stoppage time just missed the goal.

Next, the Dash will go on a two-game road trip, starting with a match against NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Jersey on Sept. 8. The game will be aired nationally on ESPN 2 at 12 p.m. CT.

North Shore dominates South Oak Cliff in home opener

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 30, 2024) The North Shore Mustangs kicked off their season with a commanding 38-0 victory over the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears on Friday night. The Mustangs, ranked 8th nationally by MaxPreps, proved why they are one of the top teams in the country.

Quarterback led the charge for North Shore, rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. He also threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Cameron Smith for 113 of those yards and two scores.

North Shore's offense was unstoppable, racking up 427 total yards, while their defense held South Oak Cliff to just 238 yards. The Mustangs controlled the game from start to finish, showing their dominance on both sides of the ball.

Next, North Shore will face Crowley on Friday, while South Oak Cliff will look to bounce back against Duncanville.

Pasadena Eagles sweep Baytown Lee in straight sets in UIL volleyball

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 30, 2024) The Pasadena High School varsity girls volleyball team extended their record to 12-4 with a three-set sweep of the Baytown Lee Ganders on Friday evening. They kicked of the match with a first set win by the score of 25-17. They followed up with set two and set three win with the identical scores of 25-17.

On Saturday, The Lady Eagles will continue with day two of the J. Frank Dobie Lady Longhorn  Varsity Labor Day Classic. On day one of the tournament, on Thursday (August 29), they swept through their three pool matches, posting a 3-0 record.

In all three matches, they cruised to three straight 2-0 wins. In the first match of the day, they downed the North Shore Mustangs 25-8, 25-10. For their second match of the day, they rolled over the Cleveland Indians 25-15, 25-12. They closed out the day with a 25-19, 25-14 win over the Lamar Cardinals.

Game video, provided by MaxPreps, from the game can be viewed here.

Texas 6A High School Football Rankings-Week 1

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 28, 2024) Below is listed the pre-season (Week 1) rankings for UIL División 6A football by TexSport Publications. An updates listed will be posted weekly prior to the first game of each week.

1. DeSoto Eagles

2. North Shore Mustangs

3. Duncanville Panthers

4. Westlake Chaparrals

5. Humble Bulldogs

6. North Crowley Panthers

7. Southlake Carroll Dragons

8. Atascocita Eagles

9. Lake Travis Cavaliers

10. Katy Tigers

11. Spring Westfield Mustangs

12. Cibolo Steele Knights

13. Fort Bend Ridge Point Panthers

14. Coppell Cowboys

15. Klein Collins Tigers

16. Prosper Eagles

17. Allen Eagles

18. The Woodlands Highlanders

19. Cypress Bridgeland Bears

20. Alvin Shadow Creek Bulldogs

21. Dickinson Gators

22. Rockwell Yellowjackets

23. Houston Lamar Texans

24. Austin Vandegrift Vipers

25. Fort Bend Hightower

Houston Dynamo FC drops close match to Toronto FC

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 24, 2024)  Houston Dynamo FC lost a close game to Toronto FC, 1-0, at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite controlling the ball for most of the match and taking twice as many shots as Toronto, the Dynamo couldn't find the back of the net.

The game’s only goal came in the 54th minute when Toronto's Prince Owusu scored with a header that deflected off Dynamo defender Griffin Dorsey. The ball bounced into the goal, leaving Dynamo goalkeeper helpless.

The Dynamo started strong, creating their first big chance in the ninth minute. Héctor Herrera sent a through ball to forward Aliyu Ibrahim, who crossed it into the box. Unfortunately, Toronto’s defense blocked the chance.

Forward Ezequiel Ponce had Houston’s first shot on target after Herrera set him up from a set piece. Ponce’s quick shot forced Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson to make a tough save. Another good chance came in the 16th minute when Dorsey fired a powerful volley, but the ball went just wide of the post.

Houston’s defense also had a big moment when Erik Sviatchenko took a shot from outside the box in the 21st minute. His shot was heading for the top corner, but Johnson was there again to make a quick save.

The Dynamo almost tied the game in the 62nd minute. After a goal-line clearance by Toronto, the ball fell to defender Franco Escobar, who struck it hard, but it hit the crossbar.

Dynamo forward Lawrence Ennali made his debut in this game, marking an important moment for the team. Despite the loss, Houston remains in the playoff race with nine games left, five of which will be at home.

The Dynamo will next travel to Los Angeles to face LAFC on Saturday, August 31, before returning home for a rematch on September 7.

Pasadena Eagles fall in five sets to Galena Park Yellowjackets

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 24, 2024) The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team season record dropped to 7-4 after a close five-set loss to the Galena Park Yellowjackets at Bob Barfield Gymnasium in Pasadena.

The match, which went to five sets, was very close with the Lady Eagles taking the first set 25-22. Galena Park came back to take the second set 25-22, with Pasadena rebounded in set three by the score 25-14, which was the largest point differential of the match. The Yellowjackets rallied to take the final two sets 26-24 and and 15-13 for the win.

The Lady Eagles will next face Goose Creek Memorial (6-5) on Tuesday, August 27 with the freshmen squad beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by the junior varsity at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Pasadena Volleyball advances to Silver Bracket of Austin ISD Jason Landers Tourney

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 16, 2024) Going into day 2 of pool play at the Austin ISD Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament, the Pasadena Eagles were looking to build on their success in day 1 and improved their overall record. The Lady Eagles went up against three tough teams; posting a 1-2 records on Friday.

First up was a match against Juan Navarro (Austin) High School, which saw Pasadena down the Vikings in straight sets 25-7, 25-11. After a short rest, they took to the court, playing their fifth match in 27 hours, faced off against San Antonio Stephens. The Pasadena volleyballers took the match to three sets. They won the first set against the Vikings, 25-20. then dropped the final two sets of the match, 19-25, 18-25; dropping their tournament record to 4-1. 

In the final game of the day, the Lady Eagles took to the court to play the Austin High School Maroons, on the Maroons home court. The supportive Maroons' fans did not distract the Eagles, however the close and evenly matched teams battled back and forth, with the Lady Eagles coming up short 15-25, 17-25.

After two days of play, Pasadena posted a 4-2 record and as a result, will play in the Silver Bracket facing Trinity High School at 9 a.m. CDT at Austin High School on Championship Saturday.

Pasadena Lady Eagles sweep day one of Austin ISD Jason Landers Tournament

Submitted Photo, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 15, 2024) After winning their first match of the season against Galveston Ball on Tuesday evening (August 13), the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team hit the road to compete in the Austin ISD Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament. The tournament, which is one of the most prestigious high school tournaments in Texas, features the top teams from around the state of Texas. The Lady Eagles entered the first day of the three-day tournament with a 1-0 season record. after downing Galveston Ball in five sets (19-25, 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 15-12) on Tuesday.

Playing their Day 1 matches at Austin's Atkins High School gym, Pasadena took the match to three sets against the Waco University Trojans, winning the match two sets to one (25-15, 22-25, 25-22)  in Group 8 of pool play. The win pushed their season record to 2-0 and 1-0 in the tournament. After about one and one-half hour break, which saw El Paso Andress down the Trojans 25-19 and 25-14 the Lady Eagles took on Andress in their last match of the day.

They quickly dispatched the Golden Eagles in straight sets, 25-18, 25-23 to win the match and post a 2-0 record for the tournament and therefore placing at the top of group play.

Day two (Friday) will see the PHS volleyballers facing the Texas School for the Deaf (1-2) at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. match against Sam Antonio Stephens (2-1). In their final match of the day, they will face Austin High School (3-0) at 3 p.m. All Friday games will be played at Austin High School.

Pasadena Lady Eagles prepare for 2024 season with six scrimmages

Story and photo by Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 10, 2024) The Pasadena High School Varsity Volleyball Team kicked off their 2024 season with a two-day, six-game series of scrimmages at Bob Barfield Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena High School.

The Lady Eagles faced three opponents on Friday (August 9) and three opponents on Saturday (August 10). The scrimmages were contested for 30-minutes running time to give all the squads a tune-up prior to their season beginning next week.

On Friday, the PHS volleyballers tallied a 3-0-0 (W-L-D) mark against their three opponents. In the first game of the afternoon, The Lady Eagles downed the Baytown Lee Ganders by the score of 39-18. They followed up with a 32-29 defeat of Angleton High School; ending the evening with a 37-27 win over Galena Park. 

On Saturday, the Lady Eagles defeated Alvin Iowa Colony, 35-31, played to a 29-29 tie against Galveston Ball, and dropped their final match of the day, with a close 28-22 loss to Goose Creek Memorial. They finished the day with a 1-1-1 (W-L-D) record, and a 4-1-1 (W-L-D) for the two days of scrimmages. 

Pasadena kicks off its 2025 official season on the road Tuesday, August 13 with varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen games against  Galveston Ball. Game times are 4:30 p.m. for the freshmen, 5:30 p.m. (JV), and 6:30 p.m. for the varsity.

They follow up the Galveston Ball matches with a road trip to Austin, Texas on Thursday through Saturday, to play in the Austin ISD Jason Landers Varsity Tournament. The tournament will feature many of the top high school volleyball teams from around the state. 

Jordan Chiles' score change overturned by court, Impacting final standings

Photo by Skylar Walker, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PARIS, FRANCE (August 10, 2024) The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently announced a decision that has changed the results of the women’s floor exercise event in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On July 5, Jordan Chiles of the United States had her score adjusted after an inquiry. However, the CAS ruled that the appeal was filed too late, exceeding the allowed time limit by four seconds. As a result, Chiles’ score of 13.666, which was initially revised upward, has been reverted to its original value.

This decision moves Chiles from third place to fifth place in the final standings. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee expressed their disappointment in a joint statement. They emphasized that the appeal was made in good faith, following the rules, to ensure accurate scoring.

The statement also addressed the negative treatment Chiles has faced on social media since the appeal.

The statement can be read here.

USA Swimming tops medal count at Paris 2024

Photo by Skylar Walker, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PARIS, FRANCE (August 5, 2024) USA Swimming had an incredible finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending the pool competition with two world records and three medals on the final night. In an amazing performance, Bobby Finke from Clearwater, Florida, won the men's 1500-meter freestyle. He led the race from start to finish, earning a gold medal and setting a new world record with a time of 14:30.67.

Shortly after, the men’s 4x100-meter medley relay team added a silver medal to the tally. The team, consisting of Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Caeleb Dressel, and Hunter Armstrong, worked together to secure second place in a thrilling race.

The women’s 4x100-meter medley relay was the final event of the competition, and the American team did not disappoint. Regan Smith, Lilly King, Gretchen Walsh, and Torri Huske dominated the race, finishing over three seconds ahead of the Australian team. Their time of 3:49.63 set a new world record, highlighting the exceptional talent of USA Swimming.

USA Swimming finished the Olympics at the top of the medal table with a total of 28 medals—ten more than any other country. Here are some key highlights from their performance:

Total Medals: 28 (8 gold, 13 silver, 7 bronze)

World Records: 3

Olympic Records: 2

American Records: 3

Double Podiums: USA had two athletes on the podium in four races: women's 100m backstroke, women's 100m butterfly, women's 400m individual medley, and women's 800m freestyle

Katie Ledecky: With four medals, became the most decorated American female Olympian in history.

Torri Huske: She secured the most medals of any American swimmer in Paris with five (3 gold, 2 silver).

Other Standout Swimmers: Kate Douglass, Katie Ledecky, and Regan Smith each earned four medals.

Relay Success: USA Swimming won gold or silver in all seven relay events, with two relays setting new world records and one setting a new American record.

Milestone Achievement: USA Swimming surpassed 600 Olympic medals on day four and finished with 615.