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 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

Houston Dash battle back to earn 2-2 draw against Bay FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 24, 2025)  The Houston Dash ended their two-game homestand with a 2-2 draw against Bay FC on Saturday afternoon at Shell Energy Stadium. It was a back-and-forth game, but the Dash showed heart and finished strong to earn a point.

Houston took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to a great team play. Midfielder Bárbara Olivieri dribbled past four Bay FC defenders and passed to defender Avery Patterson. Patterson controlled the ball outside the box and scored with a powerful shot to the top corner. It was her second goal of the season.

Bay FC tied the game in the 53rd minute when Penelope Hocking broke past the Dash defense and scored. Just minutes later, a turnover by the Dash led to another Bay goal. Racheal Kundananji found Rachel Hill at the near post to put Bay FC ahead 2-1.

The Dash didn’t give up. In the 88th minute, Olivieri and forward Messiah Bright worked a smooth passing play near midfield. Bright dribbled toward the box and sent a low shot into the far corner for her first goal of the season. Olivieri now has two assists on the year.

The Dash had chances to win the game. In the 91st minute, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten hit the post, and moments later Maggie Graham also hit the woodwork.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a solid night, finishing with six saves. She stopped a header in the 35th minute and stayed busy all match.

The Dash now hold a 1-1-1 all-time record against Bay FC. They’ll travel to San Jose for a rematch on August 2.

Up next, the Dash hit the road to face the Orlando Pride on Saturday, June 7. They return home on Friday, June 13 to host San Diego FC.

Houston Dash fall to Portland Thorns FC 4-1

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash 

By Robert H Kelly 

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 16, 2025)  The Houston Dash dropped a 4-1 decision to Portland Thorns FC on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. This was the first game of a two-game homestand for the Dash.

Portland scored their first goal in the 26th minute and added another just four minutes later. They scored two more goals; one in the 54th minute and one from a penalty kick late in the game.

Houston’s only goal came in the 75th minute. Forward Michelle Alozie forced an own goal after a pass from Barbara Olivieri. Alozie dribbled into the box and her shot deflected off a Portland defender and into the net.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a busy night and finished with three saves. She stopped two strong shots early in the match and kept the Dash in the game during the first half.

The Dash had some chances to score. Messiah Bright and Maggie Graham nearly connected on a play in the 21st minute. Delanie Sheehan also had a close shot just before halftime. Newcomer Kiki Van Zanten made her regular season debut in the second half and almost scored in the 82nd minute.

The Dash will finish their homestand next Saturday, May 24, when they take on Bay FC for Kids Day at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dash fall short after long night of delays

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 3, 2025) The Houston Dash came up short on a stormy Friday evening, losing 2-1 to Racing Louisville FC at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday. The game had two long weather delays, including one that lasted nearly two hours.

The Dash started strong and took the lead in the 9th minute. Forward Ryan Gareis passed the ball to defender Avery Patterson, who dribbled into space and scored with a great long shot to the far post. It was her first goal of the season and second goal ever for the Dash.

Louisville answered quickly. In the 20th minute, Kayla Fischer scored from the top of the box to tie the game. They took the lead for good in the 71st minute when Emma Sears got behind the defense and scored.

The Dash had a few chances early. In the 7th minute, Delanie Sheehan sent a cross to Patterson, but her header was saved. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a big save in the 29th minute and added two more before halftime to keep the Dash in the game.

In the second half, Yazmeen Ryan won a free kick that gave Houston a scoring chance. Barbara Olivieri got a shot off, but it was stopped. Patterson stayed active, taking four shots on goal and making six defensive recoveries.

Late in the game, the Dash pushed hard for a tying goal. Michelle Alozie forced a save in the 89th minute, and Evelina Duljan had a shot blocked in the final moments. But Louisville’s defense held strong and took all three points.

The Dash split their two-game homestand and now get ready to face Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, May 11 at Lumen Field. They return home to play the Portland Thorns on Friday, May 16.

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.