Houston Dash down Angel City FC at Shell Energy Stadium

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 23, 2026) The Houston Dash earned a big 2-1 victory over Angel City FC on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

Midfielder Maggie Graham scored the game-winning goal for Houston, while rookie Kat Rader added her fourth goal of the season. The win was also the first home victory for the Dash against Angel City in club history.

Houston struck first in the 17th minute after a strong attack down the right side. Defender Avery Patterson sent the ball forward before forward Kate Faasse found Rader inside the box. The rookie calmly moved around the goalkeeper and scored from close range to give Houston a 1-0 lead.

Angel City answered in the 26th minute after earning a penalty kick. Forward Maiara Niehues converted the chance to tie the match at 1-1.

The Dash regained the lead later in the game with a smooth passing play through midfield. Sophie Schmidt passed to Danny Colaprico, who quickly found Graham in open space. Graham dribbled toward the edge of the box and fired a shot into the bottom corner for her third goal of the year.

Goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle made her first career NWSL start and finished with two saves. She made several key plays early in the match to keep Houston in control.

Patterson also played an important role on defense. She finished with 15 recoveries and five interceptions while helping stop several dangerous Angel City chances.

Houston continued to pressure late in the match as Clarissa Larisey created multiple scoring opportunities, including a strong run in the 73rd minute that narrowly missed the post.

The Dash will now travel to face NJ/NY Gotham FC on May 31 before the league pauses for the summer break.

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.

Jane Campbell shines in Houston Dash's fifth clean sheet of season

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 15, 2024)  In an exciting game at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell led her team to a scoreless draw against Angel City FC, earning their fifth clean sheet of the season. With this performance, Campbell tallied her 35th career clean sheet for the Dash and was named Player of the Match.

Campbell made five crucial saves during the game, including a standout moment in the 53rd minute when she saved a penalty kick from Claire Emslie. This marked Campbell's ninth penalty kick save in all NWSL competitions, tying her for the most in league history with Kailen Sheridan.

Houston's first big chance came early, in the seventh minute, after a foul on Sophie Schmidt. Ramona Bachmann took the free kick, which found Paige Nielsen, but her shot was blocked. A minute later, midfielder Sarah Puntigam narrowly missed the far post with a long shot. Forward Michelle Alozie also had a good chance in the 16th minute, but her shot went wide.

Campbell's first save came in the 28th minute when she denied Alyssa Thompson at the near post. The game stayed tight, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.

Angel City was awarded a penalty kick in the 53rd minute due to a handball inside the box. Campbell’s impressive save kept the score level and showcased her skill and composure under pressure.

Late in the game, forward Barbara Olivieri had two opportunities to score but couldn't convert. Rookie Amanda West also took a shot in stoppage time, followed by a header from Natalie Jacobs in the 102nd minute, but neither resulted in a goal.

The Houston Dash, now tied for the most clean sheets this season, will look to continue their strong defensive form as they host San Diego Wave FC on Saturday, June 22.