Houston Dash Play to 1-1 Draw with Portland Thorns FC in CVI Finale

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash/Houston Dynamo FC 

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

INDIO, CALIFORINA  (February 21, 2026) The Houston Dash closed out the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC. Houston showed strong effort on both ends of the field in its final preseason match of the tournament.

The Dash broke through early in the second half. In the 65th minute, defender Leah Klenke sent a cross into the box. Midfielder Linda Ullmark met the ball with a header. The ball deflected off a Portland defender and into the net for an own goal, giving Houston a 1-0 lead.

Portland answered quickly. Just one minute later, forward Deyna Castellanos scored from near midfield to tie the match at 1-1.

Houston had several chances before and after the goals. In the 37th minute, forward Makenzy Robbe fired a shot toward the middle of the net, but the goalkeeper made the save. Moments later, Klenke delivered a long pass to forward Yazmeen Ryan, whose shot sailed just over the crossbar.

The Dash continued to push in the second half. In the 55th minute, Kate Faasse connected with Robbe inside the box, but her shot was stopped at the near post. Houston nearly grabbed the lead late in the 80th minute when Allysha Chapman crossed the ball to Kat Rader, but Rader’s header went just wide.

Goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle made a key save in the 85th minute to keep the match level.

Dash head coach Fabrice Gautrat  was quoted after the match:

 "Overall, a really good performance, players ramping up their minutes. There were some good performances from our young and veteran players. We're still working out some kinks, but overall, really pleased." 

 

Houston will next travel to face Dallas Trinity FC at Cotton Bowl Stadium on Feb. 28. The Dash open the regular season on March 14 against San Diego Wave FC before hosting Boston Legacy FC on March 21 at Shell Energy Stadium.