2nd half goal by Utah gives Houston Dash 1-0 loss

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 12, 2026) The Houston Dash suffered a 1-0 loss to Utah Royals FC on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, with Mina Tanaka scoring the only goal of the match in the second half.

Tanaka broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, finishing a right-footed shot from inside the box after receiving a pass from Nuria Rábano. The goal gave Utah all three points and ended Houston’s hopes of earning a home win.

Houston created several chances but could not find the back of the net. Sarah Puntigam had an early shot blocked in the 11th minute, while Avery Patterson sent a corner-kick chance wide.

Kiki Van Zanten came close in the 38th minute, but her one-touch effort missed the target. Kate Faasse also had a chance early in the second half, with her shot hitting the outside of the net.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the match with five saves. She made four saves late in the first half before stopping Cece Delzer’s shot in the 61st minute.

Houston pushed for an equalizer after Tanaka’s goal. Kat Rader created two strong chances in the final 20 minutes, but Utah goalkeeper Mia Justus made the needed saves to preserve the shutout.

The match also marked an important milestone for midfielder Danny Colaprico, who made her 50th regular-season appearance for the Dash. Houston also honored Sophie Schmidt at halftime for reaching 150 league appearances earlier this season.

The Dash fall to 7-12-5 with 26 points. Houston next travels to face Boston Legacy FC on Sunday, September 20, at Centreville Bank Stadium. The match will air live on CBS Sports Network at 1 p.m. CT.