Houston Dash and Kansas City Current settle for 1-1 draw

By Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 8, 2026) The Houston Dash battled to a 1-1 draw against the Kansas City Current on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, earning one point to close out a three-game homestand.

Rookie forward Kat Rader (No. 22, shown above) scored the equalizer from the penalty spot in the second half, giving her seven goals this season. Rader continues to lead all 2026 NWSL rookies in scoring.

The draw gave Houston four points during its three-game homestand. The Dash finished the stretch with a 1-1-1 record.

Kansas City opened the scoring in the 44th minute. Debinha fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner for her fourth goal of the season. Croix Bethune picked up her eighth assist of the year on the play.

Houston answered in the second half after defender Allysha Chapman was fouled inside the box. Rader stepped up and calmly converted the penalty kick to tie the match.

The Dash continued to create chances as they searched for the winning goal. Maggie Graham hit the woodwork in the 59th minute, while Kiki Van Zanten followed with a shot that narrowly missed the target.

Rader nearly scored again in the 90th minute after a free kick just outside the box, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar. Clarissa Larisey also came close after creating a one-on-one chance late in the match.

Captain Jane Campbell made an early save to keep Houston within reach, denying Amelia White inside the opening minutes.

The match also marked an important milestone for Chapman, who made her 100th start for the Dash in all competitions. She became only the third player in club history to reach 100 starts, joining Campbell and Kealia Watt.

Khyah Harper also made her first start for Houston after joining the team from Gotham FC. Defender Natalie Hammond made her NWSL debut as a second-half substitute.

Houston will travel to North Carolina next weekend to face the North Carolina Courage. The Dash return home Aug. 19 to host Chicago Stars FC.

Houston Dash drop match to Gotham FC 1-0

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 1, 2026) The Houston Dash fought until the final whistle Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium but came up empty in a 1-0 loss to Gotham FC. Despite generating multiple quality chances and forcing six saves from Gotham goalkeeper Shelby Hogan, the Dash could not find an equalizer.

Houston controlled the early stages. In the opening minute, defender Paige Nielsen nearly opened the scoring with a long-range effort that rolled just wide of the far post. Moments later, Kat Rader intercepted a long ball and set up Kiki Van Zanten inside the box, only for Hogan to make the stop.

The Dash came even closer in the 12th minute when Rader unleashed a shot from the top of the penalty area that beat Hogan but struck the left post.Goalkeeper Jane Campbell preserved the scoreless deadlock with a key save against Jaedyn Shaw in the 14th minute. Gotham earned a penalty in the 18th minute, but Sam Kerr sent her attempt wide, giving Houston a lifeline.The visitors broke through early in the second half. 

In the 46th minute, Guro Reiten slipped a pass across the face of goal to Kerr, who finished from close range for the game’s only goal.Houston continued to press for a response. Maggie Graham, Lisa Boattin, Clarissa Larisey, Sophie Schmidt, and Rader all contributed to dangerous sequences, but Hogan repeatedly denied the home side.

A positive note for the Dash was the debut of forward Khyah Harper, acquired earlier in the week from Gotham. Facing her former club after entering in the second half, Harper created opportunities and nearly forced a late equalizer. In stoppage time, her cross found Sarah Puntigam, whose header was turned away by another diving save from Hogan.

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 Suffer 3-0 Road Defeat to Kansas City Current

By Chris Price
Copyright 20'26 All Rights Reserved

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (May 16, 2025) The Houston Dash were unable to slow down a potent Kansas City Current attack, falling 3-0 on Friday night at CPKC Stadium. The reigning NWSL Shield winners capitalized on early momentum and a second-half turnover to secure a comfortable victory, handing Houston its latest road setback.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a ball whipped into the box by forward Michelle Cooper eluded the grasp of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and nestled into the far post. Moments later, Cooper turned provider again, picking out Temwa Chawinga at the near post to make it 2-0. The Current added a third goal in the 68th minute after forcing a turnover in midfield and converting the transition opportunity.
Despite the lopsided result, several bright spots emerged for the Dash. Defender Allysha Chapman earned her first start of the 2026 season and logged her 107th regular-season appearance in a Houston shirt, placing her third on the club’s all-time list. In the second half, veteran midfielder Sophie Schmidt made her long-awaited return from a season-ending injury suffered last September, appearing for the 149th time in NWSL regular-season play.
The youthful energy of Houston’s 2026 rookie class was also on display. Four first-year players started the match, and all five earned minutes after defender Leah Klenke subbed on in the 60th minute. The group has combined for a league-leading 32 starts this season, signaling a clear commitment to developing young talent under head coach Fabrice Gautrat.
Offensively, the Dash showed occasional promise but struggled to finish. Captain Jane Campbell made a vital 26th-minute save to deny Croix Bethune and finished with two stops. Kat Rader, who leads the team with 16 chances created, tested the Current goalkeeper twice, while first-year midfielder Linda Ullmark, a full-time starter, forced a save from the edge of the box. Sophie Schmidt added two shots in limited minutes, and Sarah Puntigam generated a late shot on target.
Houston will now return home to Shell Energy Stadium for a crucial two-game homestand. The Dash host San Diego Wave FC on Wednesday, May 20, before facing Angel City FC on Saturday, May 23. 

Houston Dash rally to secure 4-3 win over Racing Louisville FC

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 3, 2026) The Houston Dash delivered a thrilling night of soccer on Friday, rallying late to defeat Racing Louisville FC 4–3 at Shell Energy Stadium. The dramatic finish pushed Houston’s unbeaten home streak to seven matches, dating back to last season, and gave the team nine points through its first four games of 2026.

The match had no shortage of excitement, as both teams traded goals and momentum throughout. In fact, it was the first game in National Women’s Soccer League history to feature four penalty kick goals.

Racing Louisville struck first in the 23rd minute. After a handball inside the box, Louisville was awarded a penalty kick. Taylor Flint stepped up and calmly converted to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.

Houston answered before halftime. In the 39th minute, forward Kat Rader (shown above) was brought down inside the box, earning a penalty for the Dash. Rader took the shot herself and buried it, leveling the score at 1–1. The rookie continues to impress early in the season, now with two goals and one assist.

Louisville regained the lead just after halftime, scoring in the 48th minute off a rebound inside the box. But Houston wasted no time responding. Just two minutes later, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten dribbled to the top of the box and fired a shot past the goalkeeper to tie the match once again.

Van Zanten was not done. In the 67th minute, she struck again. After her first shot was blocked, she stayed with the play and finished the rebound with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. The goal gave Houston a 3–2 lead and marked her second brace of the season. She now leads the league in goals with four and has been one of the team’s hottest players, scoring four goals in her last two home matches.

Van Zanten spoke in the post-match press conference about the team aspect of the night's win.

“During off season, we worked a lot on our interpersonal relationships on the team; learning each other’s tendencies, what players like to do when they’re on the ball, that dictates my movements. What feels different is that I have confidence. This is my third year in the league and I had the pleasure of starting quite a few games last year and you get confidence over repetition. I also believe the chemistry in this group is great. We all have each other’s backs, which is so rare.”  

 

Louisville fought back once more. In the 81st minute, they were awarded another penalty kick after a foul inside the box. Flint converted again, tying the game at 3–3 and setting up a tense finish.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked like both teams would settle for a draw. But Houston had one last push.

In the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time, Van Zanten was taken down inside the box, giving the Dash a final chance from the penalty spot. Midfielder Sarah Puntigam stepped up and delivered under pressure, scoring her first NWSL goal to secure a dramatic 4–3 victory.

The late goal sent the home crowd into celebration and capped off one of the most exciting matches of the season so far.

Houston created several chances throughout the night. Defender Leah Klenke recorded the team’s first shot early in the second minute, while goalkeeper Jane Campbell made key saves to keep the Dash in the game. Midfielder Danny Colaprico also played an important role, earning an assist and continuing to climb the league’s all-time minutes list.

The match also saw some important returns and debuts. Midfielder Sophie Schmidt rejoined the lineup after being removed from the season-ending injury list. Forward Messiah Bright made her first start of the season, and defender Lisa Boattin made her 2026 debut off the bench.

With the win, the Dash set a new club record for most goals scored through the first four games of a season. They also continue to build strong momentum at home.

Houston will now pause for the international break, with eight players leaving for national team duty. The Dash return to action on Saturday, April 25, when they host the North Carolina Courage at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dash shut out Boston Legacy FC 3-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, Copyright 2026, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 21, 2026)  The Houston Dash continued their impressive start to the 2026 season with a commanding 3–0 victory over Boston Legacy FC on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.

With the win, Houston improved to 2–0 for the first time in club history. The Dash also posted their second straight shutout, showing strength on both ends of the field. Captain Jane Campbell anchored the defense once again, recording her 44th career clean sheet. The match drew 10,259 fans, marking the largest home opener crowd in team history.

Houston broke through just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, forward Kat Rader (shown below) connected with midfielder Linda Ullmark, who quickly set up Kiki Van Zanten (shown above). The midfielder calmly finished to give the Dash a 1–0 lead heading into the break.

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

Van Zanten struck again in the second half. In the 58th minute, Rader delivered a precise pass into the box, and Van Zanten finished from close range for her second goal of the match. She became the first Houston player to score multiple goals in a game since 2024.

Rader added to her standout performance in the 65th minute. After winning the ball along the sideline, she stayed with the play and scored her first professional goal, sealing the 3–0 win. The rookie also became the first new player to score in the National Women's Soccer League this season.

Houston had an early chance to take the lead, but defender Malia Berkely saw her penalty kick saved by Boston goalkeeper Casey Murphy in the eighth minute.

Campbell made two key saves, including an early stop on Alba Caño, to preserve the shutout.

Houston Dash win season opener 1-0 over San Diego Wave FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC/Houston Dash, Used with permission 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (March 14, 2026) The Houston Dash opened the 2026 season with a strong performance on the road, defeating San Diego Wave FC 1-0 on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

Forward Makenzey Robbe scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time. The forward finished a pass from midfielder Maggie Graham with a right-footed shot at the far post. It was Robbe’s first goal for Houston and gave the Dash the lead just before halftime.

The victory was an important milestone for Houston. It marked the team’s first season-opening win since 2017 and the club’s first-ever road victory on opening weekend in the National Women's Soccer League.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell played a key role in the win. She made nine saves and kept San Diego off the scoreboard. Early in the match, Campbell stopped a close shot from Dudinha in the ninth minute. Defender Malia Berkely then cleared the loose ball before it could cross the goal line.

Houston also created chances before scoring. In the 27th minute, Graham found midfielder Linda Ullmark near the top of the box. Ullmark’s shot hit the post, and her rebound attempt was blocked before forward Kate Faasse had a shot saved.

Several Dash players made their professional debut in the match, including Ullmark, Faasse, defender Leah Klenke and forward Kat Rader.

Campbell protected the lead late in the game. She made two key saves in the second half, stopping shots from Kristen McNabb and Lia Godfrey.

The shutout was Campbell’s 43rd regular-season clean sheet, placing her among the league’s top goalkeepers.

Houston will return home next Saturday, March 21, to host Boston Legacy FC at Shell Energy Stadium in its home opener.

Houston Dash sign Cate Hardin for 2026 Season

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 5, 2026)  The Houston Dash announced the signing of defender Cate Hardin (shown left) for the 2026 season, adding a young defender who impressed the club during preseason.

Hardin joined Houston earlier this year as a non-roster invitee after finishing her college career at the University of Georgia. She traveled with the team to California for the Coachella Valley Invitational and earned a spot on the club’s preseason roster on January 26. The 22-year-old will wear No. 18 for the Dash this season.

Hardin finished her senior season in 2025 as one of Georgia’s most important players. She started all 21 matches and led all Bulldogs field players with 1,723 minutes on the field. Her strong season earned her Second Team All-SEC honors in the Southeastern Conference.

Even as a defender, Hardin helped the Bulldogs in attack. She led the team with four assists and finished third on the team with 31 shots and nine shots on goal. She also scored a game-winning goal on the road against Texas A&M Aggies women's soccer.

During her four years at Georgia, Hardin appeared in 81 matches and made 70 starts. She played more than 5,900 minutes and helped lead a defense that recorded 17 shutouts. The Bulldogs also ranked among the conference leaders in several defensive stats during her time with the team.

Hardin also stood out in the classroom. She earned Academic All-District honors twice and was a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Now, Hardin will look to bring her strong defense, leadership, and work ethic to Houston as she begins her professional career with the Dash.

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.

Houston Dash draw 1-1 with Orlando Pride behind Berkely’s first goal of season

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2025) The Houston Dash earned a 1-1 draw against the Orlando Pride on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Defender Malia Berkely scored her first goal of the season to give Houston the lead in the second half.

The Dash went ahead in the 62nd minute after Michelle Alozie was fouled near the box, setting up a free kick. Avery Patterson sent the ball into the area, and Berkely finished from close range to put Houston in front. With her goal, Berkely became the 13th Dash player to score this season, setting a new club record for most individual goal scorers in one year.

Orlando tied the match in the 84th minute when Simone Charley scored on a header from a cross by Hayle McCutcheon.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a strong night for Houston, making five saves, including key stops early and late in the match.

Defender Allysha Chapman also reached a major milestone, playing her 10,000th minute in league play after coming on in the second half.

The Dash now head to Los Angeles to face Angel City FC on Sunday, Oct. 12, before returning home Oct. 18 to host the Kansas City Current for Fan Appreciation Night.

Ryan goal, Smith saves push Houston Dash closer to playoffs

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 (September 19, 2025)  The Houston Dash took another step toward the playoffs Friday night with a 1-0 win over Chicago Stars FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Forward Yazmeen Ryan delivered the game’s only goal in the 28th minute. After forcing a Chicago turnover, Ryan sprinted into the box and calmly finished with her right foot into the bottom corner. The goal was her team-leading fourth of the season and her third since early August. She stated after the match:

“It’s always great to get three points, I’m super proud of the team for their defensive work and keeping a clean sheet. Everyone keeps us in games because we know that Chicago (Stars FC) has come back and had opportunities. I’m happy we got to shut them down.” 

Goalkeeper Abby Smith played a huge role in the win, making six saves to record Houston’s fourth shutout of the season. Smith denied several dangerous chances from Chicago, including a close-range shot early in the second half and a diving stop in the 76th minute. The night also highlighted Smith’s off-field impact, as the club recognized her as its nominee for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her work with Kids’ Meals Houston.

The match also marked the debut of defender Malia Berkely, who joined the Dash this week in a trade with North Carolina. Defender Anna Heilferty entered in the 80th minute for her first appearance since signing a short-term deal earlier this summer.

Houston created several chances to extend the lead, including a penalty kick in the 86th minute. Ryan stepped up to the spot, but U.S. national team keeper Alyssa Naeher guessed correctly and made the save.

With the victory, Houston improved to 7-9-5 (26 points) and now sits just two points below the playoff line with five games left in the regular season.

The Dash will travel to Washington, D.C. to face the Spirit on September 28 before returning home October 3 to host the Orlando Pride on Space City Night.

Sophie Schmidt strikes again in Houston Dash win over North Carolina Courage

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 (August 8, 2025) Sophie Schmidt (shown below) delivered yet another late-game heroics for the Houston Dash, scoring in the 95th minute to lift her team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

The veteran midfielder, who also netted a stoppage-time winner in the Dash’s previous match, struck again when Yazmeen Ryan beat her defender along the endline and set up Schmidt for the decisive goal, her second of the season.

North Carolina grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute after a VAR review turned a free kick into a penalty, with Riley Jackson converting from the spot. The Dash responded quickly as Kiki Van Zanten unleashed a powerful strike from distance in the 39th minute, curling it into the top right corner. The goal marked Van Zanten’s second in as many games.

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash, Used with permission

Houston created several scoring chances throughout the match. Delanie Sheehan came close in the seventh minute, Evalina Duljan hit the crossbar in the 42nd, and Danny Colaprico nearly scored in the 82nd. Ryan continued to threaten late, but it was Schmidt’s clinical finish that sealed the win.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the game with three key saves, including stops on Maliah Bell and Manaka Matsukubo in the first half and a late block on Ashley Sanchez in the 87th minute.

With the win, the Dash remain in strong form heading into their next match on August 17 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. They return home on August 24 to host Seattle Reign FC.

Houston Dynamo FC Falls 3-1 to CF Montréal at Home

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 (June 14, 2025)  The Houston Dynamo FC lost 3-1 to CF Montréal at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, despite a strong effort from the team. The game showcased some big moments, including a goal from midfielder Ondřej Lingr and a milestone for midfielder Nico Lodeiro.

Montréal struck first in the 30th minute when Prince Owusu scored with a right-footed shot. Just two minutes later, Owusu added another goal with a header, putting the Dynamo in a tough spot. In the 54th minute, Jalen Neal made it 3-0 for Montréal with a header from a set piece.

Houston fought back in the 64th minute when Lodeiro sent a perfect pass to Lingr, who headed the ball into the net for his third goal of the season. This assist was Lodeiro’s 92nd in MLS history, ranking him 10th all-time in the league. Defender Franco Escobar also celebrated his 150th MLS regular-season game after coming on at halftime.

The Dynamo had other chances to score. Early in the match, forward Ezequiel Ponce nearly scored with a powerful header that went just over the bar. Later, midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk forced a save from Montréal’s goalkeeper with a sharp shot. In the 67th minute, Lingr and Escobar almost teamed up for another goal, but Escobar’s header hit the post and was cleared away.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made two big saves, including a quick reaction stop in the 76th minute. Despite the loss, the Dynamo showed fight. They’ll look to bounce back when they face Minnesota United FC on June 25 at Allianz Field