Houston Dynamo FC drop 2-0 decision to LAFC

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LOS ANGELES,  CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC lost 2-0 to Los Angeles FC on Saturday night at MBO Stadium in Los Angeles. This game ended a five-game streak where the Dynamo had not lost to LAFC.

LAFC scored their first goal in the 10th minute. Nathan Ordaz kicked in a loose ball in the box. Their second goal came late in the 79th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse scored with a strong left-footed shot.

Even though Houston lost, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond had a big night. He made six saves in the first half, tying a team record. He finished with eight saves total.

Captain José Artur de Lima Junior made his 200th regular season start in MLS. It was a special moment for the veteran midfielder.

Defender Franco Escobar got a red card in stoppage time after receiving his second yellow. He will miss the Dynamo’s next MLS match.

Houston had a few chances to score. In the 65th minute, Escobar crossed the ball to Ondřej Lingr, who headed it just wide of the goal.

The Dynamo now turn their focus to the U.S. Open Cup. They’ll face Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 7, in Arizona. The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. CT.

Houston Dash fall short after long night of delays

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dash came up short on a stormy Friday evening, losing 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday. The game had two long weather delays, including one that lasted nearly two hours.

The Dash started strong and took the lead in the 9th minute. Forward Ryan Gareis passed the ball to defender Avery Patterson, who dribbled into space and scored with a great long shot to the far post. It was her first goal of the season and second goal ever for the Dash.

Louisville answered quickly. In the 20th minute, Kayla Fischer scored from the top of the box to tie the game. They took the lead for good in the 71st minute when Emma Sears got behind the defense and scored.

The Dash had a few chances early. In the 7th minute, Delanie Sheehan sent a cross to Patterson, but her header was saved. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a big save in the 29th minute and added two more before halftime to keep the Dash in the game.

In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan won a free kick that gave Houston a scoring chance. Barbara Olivieri got a shot off, but it was stopped. Patterson stayed active, taking four shots on goal and making six defensive recoveries.

Late in the game, the Dash pushed hard for a tying goal. Michelle Alozie forced a save in the 89th minute, and Evelina Duljan had a shot blocked in the final moments. But Louisville’s defense held strong and took all three points.

The Dash split their two-game homestand and now get ready to face Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, May 11 at Lumen Field. They return home to play the Portland Thorns on Friday, May 16.

Ondřej Lingr scores late equalizer in Dynamo debut to secure 2-2 draw

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a dramatic 2-2 draw over the Colorado Rapids at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, thanks to a last-minute goal from new midfielder Ondřej Lingr.

Lingr, who joined the Dynamo from SK Slavia Prague last month, made his debut in the 75th minute, making an instant impact by scoring in the 96th minute to tie the game. The play started with midfielder Jack McGlynn sending a deep ball into the box. Defender Franco Escobar headed it across goal to Lingr, who dove to head the ball into the far corner.

Forward Amine Bassi (shown above) gave Houston the lead earlier in the night with a goal in the 42nd minute. The play began with defender Griffin Dorsey and midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk working a quick passing move to find Bassi in the middle of the box. It was Bassi’s second goal of the season. Kowalczyk now has assists in back-to-back matches.

The Rapids tied the game in the 59th minute after a penalty was called against Houston defender Femi Awodesu. Djordje Mihailovic scored from the spot to make it 1-1. Mihailovic helped Colorado take the lead again in the 77th minute, setting up Rafael Navarro for a goal to the far post.

The match also marked the debut of goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who recently joined from Watford FC. Bond made a key save in the 20th minute, stopping a close-range shot from Mihailovic.

Kowalczyk nearly scored early in the game after a pass from Bassi, but his low shot was saved by Rapids keeper Zach Steffen. McGlynn also had a good chance in the 24th minute, but Steffen was there to block it.

Houston head coach Ben Olsen stated after the match:

“It was a great moment for him (Ondřej Lingr) to score the equalizer at theend. The substitutes came in and gave us really good energy. We played at a high level for large portions of the match tonight. We are growing, creating chances and looking more like us in the way we want to play. We are just making it hard for ourselves, but it sure beats losing. But it doesn't beat winning.”

The Dynamo will stay home next week to face in-state rivals Austin FC on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo FC earn 1-1 draw on the road against LA Galaxy

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

CARSON, CALIFORNIA (April 13, 2025) The Houston Dynamo FC picked up a point on the road Saturday night, earning a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Forward Ezequiel Ponce (shown right) scored his second goal of the season in the 14th minute to give the Dynamo an early lead. The play started with midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk driving into the box and passing to forward Amine Bassi. Bassi then found Ponce near the goal, and the striker finished the play with a strong shot. It was Bassi’s first assist of the season.

The match was also special for Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen. It marked his 100th match in charge of the team across all competitions. He becomes just the third coach in club history to reach that number.

The Galaxy tied the match in the 57th minute with a free kick goal by Diego Fagundez.

The home team had to play with only 10 players for most of the game. Defender Zanka was given a red card in the 28th minute after a hard foul on Ponce just outside the box.

Houston had other chances to score. In the 6th minute, Ponce had a free kick that just missed. In the 61st minute, he came close again when his header hit the post. Midfielder Jack McGlynn also had a late chance, but his long shot went just over the crossbar in the 91st minute.

Goalkeeper Blake Gillingham made a big save in the first half, stopping a one-on-one shot in the 19th minute.

The Dynamo will return home next weekend. They host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April 19 at Shell Energy Stadium for Space City Night.

Highland Park forfeits state soccer title after using ineligible player

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2025) It was a night of highs and lows for the Highland Park boys soccer team. On Friday, they celebrated their biggest win ever, a 2-0 victory over Liberty Hill in the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. But just hours later, the team had to give up the title.

Highland Park staff found out after the game that one of their players was not eligible to play. After a quick investigation, the school confirmed the mistake and reported it to the University Interscholastic League, which oversees high school sports in Texas. According to UIL rules, a team must forfeit any game where an ineligible player takes the field. So, Liberty Hill was awarded the state championship.

This would have been Highland Park’s first-ever state soccer title. The team had only made it to the state championship game once before, back in 1987. Players, coaches, and fans were excited to make history, but that celebration didn’t last long.

In a statement posted on social media, Highland Park ISD shared the news with parents and fans, saying, 

“Highland Park High School has confirmed the student's ineligibility, and the district will be self-reporting the incident to the UIL immediately. This results in a forfeiture in the state championship game.” 

They also thanked the team for their hard work and sportsmanship during the season.

Highland Park’s situation is not the only one this season. Progreso High School also had to forfeit a playoff match earlier in the tournament because of an ineligible player. Their semifinal game was canceled just minutes before it was supposed to start.

Houston Dash fall to Angel City FC 3-1 at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 12, 2025) The Houston Dash dropped a 3-1 decision to Angel City FC in their return to league play on Saturday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium.

Angel City scored early in the game, taking the lead in the eighth minute after a deflected shot landed at the feet of Macey Hodge. Eleven minutes later, Riley Tiernan doubled the lead with a shot to the near post.

The Dash fought back in the second half. Forward Barbara Olivieri (center in photo) scored her first goal of the season in the 61st minute. The play started with Messiah Bright sending the ball wide to Yazmeen Ryan, who then crossed it to Olivieri for the goal. It was Ryan’s first assist with the team.

Angel City sealed the win with a third goal from Alyssa Thompson in the 86th minute.

Defender Christen Westphal made her Dash debut and helped earn the team’s first corner kick early in the match. Forward Diana Ordóñez, returning from injury, almost scored on that play, but her shot was saved.

Defender Katie Lind reached a big milestone with her 150th league appearance.

Olivieri was quoted after the match:

"Obviously, disappointed with the loss. I feel like we created a lot of chances, especially in the second half. So, it's definitely disappointing, but it feels good to see the progress throughout the game and just progress in general. I feel like we were moving the ball a lot better. It's good to see progress, but we're definitely frustrated and disappointed with the loss.”

The Dash will head to Kansas City next weekend to take on the Current at CPKC Stadium on Saturday, April 19. They return home on Friday, April 25 to face the Utah Royals.

Houston Dynamo FC downs LAFC 1-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC picked up a big win on Saturday night, beating LAFC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Midfielder Jack McGlynn scored the only goal of the game, giving the Dynamo their third clean sheet of the season.

McGlynn, who also plays for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scored in the 58th minute. He hit a strong left-footed shot from outside the box that landed in the bottom right corner of the goal. Defender Griffin Dorsey got the assist, his second of the year.

McGlynn almost scored earlier in the match, testing LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the 10th minute with a powerful shot.

Rookie goalkeeper Blake Gillingham played a strong game for Houston. He made two big saves to keep LAFC off the scoreboard. His first came in the 35th minute, when he stopped a close-range shot with his foot. His second was in the 80th minute, diving high to stop a tough header from LAFC’s Eddie Segura.

This win keeps the Dynamo’s streak alive. They are now unbeaten in their last five regular season games against LAFC and have not allowed a goal in any of them. Houston has outscored Los Angeles 8-0 over that time.

Next, the Dynamo travel to California to play the LA Galaxy on Saturday, April 12.

McNeese Cowboys upset Clemson in NCAA Tournament

Photo courtesy of  Daniel Fritz, Used with Permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (March 30, 2025)  In a thrilling NCAA game, the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers with a 69-67 victory, marking McNeese's first-ever win in NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament . ​

The Cowboys started strong, taking advantage of Clemson's in the first half; scoring only 13 points, their lowest in the many years. ​

McNeese's defense was relentless, causing Clemson to shoot just 5-of-24 from the field and commit 10 turnovers in the first half. ​

In the second half, Clemson attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap significantly. However, McNeese held firm, with key plays from Javohn Garcia and Christian Shumate. ​

Off the bench, Brandon Murray (shown above) led the Cowboys with 21 points, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.

This victory propels McNeese into the second round, where they will face the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers, who recently secured a 75-63 win over High Point. ​

Houston Dynamo FC downs El Salvador 2-1 in friendly matchup

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 19, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC earned a 2-1 victory over the El Salvador National Team in a friendly match at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday evening. This was the first time Houston played against a national team, and they made the night memorable with a solid win.

El Salvador got off to a fast start, scoring in just the fifth minute, when Jairo Ferrurino curled a right-footed shot from outside the box to give his team an early lead. But Houston responded quickly. Just one minute later, midfielder Diego Gonzalez controlled the ball off his chest and fired a powerful volley into the top right corner of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

The game remained even until the 74th minute when Houston took the lead. Midfielder Nico Lodeiro sent a set-piece cross from near the right corner flag, which deflected off an El Salvador defender. The ball landed in front of defender Franco Escobar, who finished the play with a header to score the winning goal.

The match also featured several Dynamo debuts, including Felipe Andrade, Exon Arzú, Andy Batioja, Michael Halliday, Júnior Urso, and Gonzalez. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer made his first start for Houston as well.

The Dynamo will now shift their focus back to MLS play as they travel to face the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, March 22.

Houston Dynamo falls 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium

Photo by Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC came up short in a tough 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the Dynamo couldn’t find a late equalizer.

Real Salt Lake struck early, scoring in the first minute when Emake Eneli set up Diego Goncalves for a quick goal. Houston responded in the 16th minute when Ezequiel Ponce scored his first goal of the season. Midfielder Jack McGlynn delivered a perfect free-kick to the back post, where Ponce’s strong header found the net.

Salt Lake regained the lead just before halftime. Diego Luna finished a cross from Dominik Marczuk with a header, making it 2-1.

The game saw a key moment in the 37th minute when Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell left with an injury. Jimmy Maurer made his club debut as a replacement and later made a big save in the 53rd minute to keep Houston in the match.

Houston nearly took the lead earlier in the game, but Amine Bassi’s 20th-minute goal was overturned by VAR for offside. In the 88th minute, Ethan Bartlow had a close chance to tie the game, but his header was saved and hit the post.

The Dynamo will next face the El Salvador National Team in a friendly on March 19 before returning to league action against the Seattle Sounders on March 22.

Houston Dash fall in 2025 home opener vs. Washington Spirit

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS ( March 14, 2025) The Houston Dash fought hard but couldn’t complete a comeback, falling 2-1 to the Washington Spirit in their home opener. This was the first game for new head coach Fabrice Gautrat, who took over the team in January.

Washington took an early lead in the 16th minute when Ashley Hatch forced a save from Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell (shown above). The ball bounced to Makenna Morris, who scored the first goal of the match. The Spirit doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after Chloe Ricketts hit the crossbar, and Hatch was there to score on the rebound.

The Dash kept pushing and found their goal in the second half. Midfielder Maggie Graham made her professional debut when she entered the game in the 60th minute. Just minutes later, she scored her first goal, finishing a play that started with a cross from Avery Patterson and a redirection from Ryan Gareis.

Houston had several chances to equalize, including a late shot from Yazmeen Ryan in stoppage time, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Campbell made two saves, while defender Katie Lind returned to the field for the first time in over a year after maternity leave.

The Dash will now hit the road to face Chicago Stars FC next weekend before returning home on March 28 to host NJ/NY Gotham FC at Shell Energy Stadium.

Nicholls advances in SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over UTRGV

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA  (March 10, 2025) The Nicholls Colonels women's basketball team (shown above) edged out the UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros with a 66-63 victory in the first round of the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Nicholls built a 16-12 advantage midway through the first quarter, but UTRGV's defense responded, holding the Colonels scoreless for nearly five minutes to regain momentum.

In the second quarter, the physicality intensified as both teams battled for control. UTRGV's O'Keefe showcased her strength inside, contributing crucial points to keep the Vaqueros competitive.

As the game progressed, neither team could establish a decisive lead. The final minutes were marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both squads displaying resilience and determination. Ultimately, Nicholls managed to secure the win with a late-game surge, advancing to the next round of the tournament.

This victory sets up a matchup between Nicholls and the Incarnate Word Cardinals, who recently notched their program's first Southland Tournament win by defeating Southeastern Louisiana 71-67 in overtime.

Lady Demons advance to 2nd round of SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over TAMU-CC

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUSIANA (March 10, 2025) The Northwestern State Lady Demons secured a thrilling 66-63 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the first round of the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Championships. This win marked Northwestern State's first tournament triumph since 2015, propelling them into the second round to face No. 4 seed Incarnate Word on Tuesday at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.

The Lady Demons were led by standout performances from their key players. Sharna Ayres (shown above) delivered an impressive 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 6-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. Vernell Atamah contributed 18 points and six rebounds, while Mya Blake added 18 points and seven assists.

Northwestern State came out strong in the first quarter, establishing a 21-11 lead, thanks in part to Ayres' hot shooting, which included four first-half three-pointers. However, the Islanders tightened their defense in the second quarter, forcing 12 turnovers and narrowing the gap to a 26-24 halftime deficit.

In the second half, Blake took charge for the Lady Demons, scoring 12 of her 18 points after the break. Despite a late surge from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which cut the deficit to one point in the final minute, clutch free throws from Atamah sealed the win for Northwestern State.

The Islanders were led by Paige Allen, who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. Mireia Aguado added 12 points, and Nabaweeyah McGill contributed nine points and four rebounds

UIW upsets Southeastern Louisiana in OT in Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) In a thrilling overtime match at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, No. 7 ranked University of the Incarnate Word  Cardinals secured an historic 71-

67 win over the number 6 ranked Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Tournament's first round. This win marks UIW's first-ever triumph in the Southland Tournament.

The Cardinals were propelled by standout performances from guards Davion Bailey (No. 5, shown above) and Jalin Anderson, each contributing 20 points. Bailey showcased his shooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers, including two crucial ones in overtime that shifted the game's momentum. Anderson added seven assists to his 20-point tally, orchestrating the offense with precision.

Forward Dylan Hayman also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. His consistent play provided stability on both ends of the court.

The game began with UIW dominating early, establishing a 29-11 lead. However, Southeastern Louisiana responded with resilience, eventually taking a four-point lead in the second half. The contest featured seven ties and 17 lead changes, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

For the Lions, Sam Hines Jr. delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley and Jeremy Elyzee contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the team's depth.

With this victory, UIW improves to a 17-15 overall record and advances to face the No. 3 in the tournament's next round. The Cardinals aim to build on this historic win as they continue their pursuit of the conference championship.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi downs HCU Huskies 62-48 in SLC Tourney

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) The 2025 Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Tournament kicked off today at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In the opening game, the No. 5 seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders secured a decisive 62-48 victory over the No. 8 seed Houston Christian University Huskies.

The Islanders showcased a balanced offense, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard. Their defense was equally impressive, limiting the Huskies to under 50 points. This win propels the Islanders into the quarterfinals, where they will face the No. 4 seed Northwestern State Demons on Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m.

Northwestern State enters the tournament on a four-game winning streak, reflecting strong late-season form. Head Coach Rick Cabrera expressed confidence in his team's preparation and resilience, emphasizing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

The tournament's top seeds, McNeese State and Lamar University, hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Both teams have earned double byes, advancing them directly to the semifinals. McNeese State, boasting a 25-6 overall record and a dominant 19-1 conference run, is led by standout guards Javohn Garcia, Sincere Parker, and DJ Richards Jr., all averaging over ten points per game.

Lamar University secured their No. 2 seed with a recent 65-53 victory over Nicholls, showcasing strong performances from players like Alexis Marmolejos and Ja'Sean Jackson.

The tournament continues with the second first-round game tonight at 7:30 p.m., featuring the No. 6 seed Southeastern Louisiana Lions against the No. 7 seed University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The winner will advance to face No. 3 seed Nicholls in the quarterfinals.

Fans can anticipate an exciting week of basketball as teams vie for the Southland Conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Houston Dynamo FC sign goalkeeper Blake Gillingham

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 14, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC has added a new goalkeeper to their squad, signing Blake Gillingham through the 2025 season. The club also has options to keep him through 2028.

Gillingham, a 22-year-old from San Jose, California, joins the team after playing college soccer at Creighton University and Santa Clara University. He had an impressive college career, making 33 appearances between the two schools. In his final season with the Creighton Bluejays, he started all 18 matches, recorded 48 saves, and had four shutouts. 

“Blake is a young goalkeeper who worked hard in preseason to earn his spot,” said Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad. “He will give us depth at the position, and we are excited for him to learn from some of the best in the league.”

Gillingham showed his talent early in college. In his sophomore year at Creighton, he became the starter midway through the season and made 46 saves in 11 matches. Before transferring to Creighton, he spent a season at Santa Clara University, where he played four matches and recorded his first college shutout in a game against UC Davis.

Gillingham is known for his quick reflexes, strong hands, and ability to organize his defense. He played club soccer with De Anza Force SC in Northern California and attended Bellarmine College Prep.

Pasadena area swimmers shine in Day 2 of SCAC Championships

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
(archived photo)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GARLAND, TEXAS (February 13, 2025) Swimmers from Pasadena, Texas continued to shine at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Swimming and Diving Championships at Garland ISD Natatorium in Garland, Texas. Day two saw University of St. Thomas sophomore Emely Lopez (Pasadena High School) and McMurry University junior Harrison Brown (First Baptist Christian Academy) compete in the 50-yard freestyle and also swim the anchor leg (freestyle) for their respective universities in the 400-yard medley relay.

Brown anchored the War Eagle relay to a fourth-place finish, posting the time of :47.74 to finish the relay with the time of 3.35.17, dropping 4.9 seconds from their season best. Lopez (shown above) covered her 100-yard anchor leg with the time of 1:01.73 to assist her Celts' teammates record the time of 4:29.50; dropping 4.54 seconds off their season best to take eighth place.

Both also competed in the women's and men's 50-yard freestyle, with Lopez placing 29th and Brown finishing in 18th place.

The championships will continue on Friday with the 100-yard butterfly, 400-yard individual medley, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard backstroke, and 200-yard freestyle relay.

SCAC Swimming-Diving Championships kick off for Pasadena area athletes

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GARLAND, TEXAS (February 12, 2025) The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Swimming and Diving Championships kicked off on Wednesday, February 12, with six swimmers and divers, who competed in their prep careers for various Pasadena, Texas area high schools. Two of the six swimmers, Emely Lopez (Pasadena HS, Pasadena, TX) who attends for St. Thomas University and Harrison Brown (First Baptist Christian Academy) who is at McMurry University, saw action on the opening night of the meet.

The championships is being contested at the Garland ISD Natatorium and saw four event finals on Wednesday.  Lopez, who is in her second year of competing for the Celts, anchored their 200-yard medley relay to the eighth-place finish in the finals with the time of 1:59.69, improving from their seed time of 2:01.46.

Brown, who is in his junior year at McMurry, swam on two relays who scored in the finals. In the 200-yard medley relay, he swam the freestyle leg for the War Hawks posting a 1:37.86, good enough for fifth place. In the final event of the evening, Brown, along with Wes Scalf, Montgomery Cortez, and Victor Zambrano placed fourth in the 800-yard freestyle relay with the time of 7:13.7, which set a new school record in the event.

The other four Pasadena, Texas area swimmers; Jael Medrano (Pasadena HS), Alan Ramirez, (Pasadena HS), Alexa Montanez (Pasadena HS), and Navya Karunarathne (South Houston HS), all of whom compete for University of the Ozarks (Arkansas) did not see action. They will kick off their competition later in the week.

Houston Dash announce 2025 season schedule

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 22, 2025) The Houston Dash are ready to kick off an exciting 2025 season. The National Women’s Soccer League released the full schedule, including 26 games for the Dash under new leadership. Angela Hucles Mangano takes the reins as President of Women’s Soccer, and Fabrice Guatrat steps in as the team’s sixth head coach.

The season opener is set for Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. CT, when the Dash face the Washington Spirit at Shell Energy Stadium. The first fans through the gates will receive a Houston Dash wall flag, thanks to Shell Energy. Fans will also see new players like Yazmeen Ryan, Danielle Colaprico, Delanie Sheehan, and Christen Westphal in action alongside favorites like Jane Campbell, Diana Ordóñez, and Natalie Jacobs.

The schedule includes some thrilling matchups. Four of the first five games are against teams that made the playoffs last year. On March 28, the Dash host NJ/NY Gotham FC for She Shines Night, celebrating inspiring women. The two-game homestand wraps up with Angel City FC on April 12.

Nine Dash games will air on national TV this season, starting with an away match against Kansas City on April 19. Games will be broadcast on ION+, Prime Video, ESPN, and CBS Sports Network.

Fans can grab season memberships starting at $235, which include perks like discounted concessions and merchandise, plus special pricing on extra tickets. Hustle Town memberships are available for around $150. Single-game tickets are also on sale, with options to donate toward cancer research when purchasing online.

The schedule features fun theme nights like Pride Night on June 13, Kids Day on May 24, and Pups at the Pitch on May 2. The Dash wrap up the home season with Fan Appreciation Night on Oct. 18 and play their final regular-season game in Portland on Nov. 2.

HCU Huskies hold off Islanders in exciting win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2025)  Houston Christian University jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 76-72 win against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Monday night at Sharp Gym. The Huskies stopped the Islanders’ six-game winning streak and ended their homestand with a solid 3-1 record.

HCU started strong, building a 16-point lead in the first half. Julian Mackey and Elijah Brooks led the charge, combining for 23 first-half points. The Huskies' defense also shined, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 21 points off steals. At halftime, HCU led 45-32.

The Islanders fought back in the second half, cutting the lead to four with 8:59 left. Jordan Roberts sparked the comeback with 11 straight points, including three three-pointers. However, the Huskies stayed steady. Mackey scored seven straight points to push the lead back to seven, and HCU sealed the game by hitting 9 of 12 free throws in the final minutes.

Mackey led all scorers with 19 points and added three blocks. Brooks scored 16, hitting 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. Trent Johnson had a career-high 13 points, and D’Aundre Samuels added 12 points and tied for the game-high with three steals.

The Islanders also had four players in double figures. Roberts scored 14 points off the bench, while Isaac Williams added 13. Gary Clark had 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and Stephen Giwa chipped in 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

HCU shot 42% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line, which proved to be the difference. TAMUCC shot 47% from the floor but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 57%.

The win pushes HCU to 8-11 overall and 5-3 in Southland Conference play. Next up, the Huskies hit the road for four straight games, starting Saturday against the University of New Orleans.

HCU Huskies hold off UIW Cardinals for 81-76 win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 11, 2025) The Houston Christian University Huskies kicked off their four-game homestand with a thrilling 81-76 win over the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday afternoon at Sharp Gymnasium. Playing at home for the first time in over a month, the Huskies closed the game on an 8-2 run, locking up their second straight victory and improving to 6-10 overall and 3-2 in Southland Conference play.

The game started with an unusual twist: an administrative technical foul gave HCU a 1-0 lead before the opening tip. After that, both teams traded punches in a fast-paced first half. HCU’s Julian Mackey hit two three-pointers and led a scoring burst that turned a six-point deficit into a 41-36 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Cardinals cut into the Huskies’ lead, and the teams went back and forth. HCU looked to pull away midway through the half thanks to a hot streak from Bryson Dawkins and D’Aundre Samuels, who combined for 19 straight points. Dawkins hit four three-pointers in the game and finished with a team-high 17 points.

Despite HCU’s strong push, UIW stormed back late, taking a 74-73 lead with 3:46 left. But the Huskies wouldn’t be denied. stepped up with two clutch layups, including one with under two minutes remaining to reclaim the lead. Brooks finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

HCU’s defense locked down the Cardinals in the final minutes, holding them to just two points over the last 3:46. Dawkins and Trent Johnson added key free throws to seal the win.

The Huskies shot a sizzling 54% from the field and matched their season-best with 11 three-pointers, hitting 52% from deep.

The Cardinals (9-7, 2-3 Southland) were led by Jordan Pyke’s 27 points, but their comeback fell short.

Next, the Huskies face conference leader McNeese State at Sharp Gym on Monday night at 7 p.m.

Texas State overcomes North Texas at SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Story and photos by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS (January 3, 2025)  In an exciting finish, the Texas State Bobcats edged the North Texas Mean Green 30-28 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday at Gerald J Ford Stadium on the SMU campus. Running back Lincoln Pare led the Bobcats with 143 yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. His standout moment was a 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, which proved crucial for the team's victory.

Quarterback Jordan McCloud also had a strong performance for Texas State, completing 26 of 35 passes for 307 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to Jaden Williams, who caught eight passes totaling 155 yards. This win marks the Bobcats' second consecutive First Responder Bowl victory, concluding their season with an 8-5 record.

For North Texas, quarterback Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, made his first college start. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 393 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Mestemaker showcased his athleticism with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run that brought the Mean Green within two points late in the game. Despite his efforts, North Texas was unable to secure the win, finishing their season at 6-7.

The game began with Texas State taking an early lead through a 34-yard field goal by Mason Shipley. North Texas quickly responded with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Mestemaker to Miles Coleman. The teams traded scores throughout the first half, with Texas State holding a narrow 16-14 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Bobcats extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pare. North Texas answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mackenzie McGill II, narrowing the gap. However, Pare's explosive 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter gave Texas State a 30-21 advantage. Mestemaker's 70-yard touchdown run brought the Mean Green close, but a late interception sealed the victory for the Bobcats.