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