HOUSTON (Aug. 7, 2026) - The Houston Dash close a three-match homestand on Saturday, Aug. 8 as they host the Kansas City Current at Shell Energy Stadium. The organization will celebrate Black Excellence Night throughout Saturday's match with special recognitions honoring Jayne Kennedy, Lana Edwards, Wendy Lewis Armstrong, Dr. Paula Jackson, Khambrel Marshall, Linda Lorelleand other community trailblazers whose leadership and service have left a lasting impact in Houston and beyond.
Festivities on Saturday include a halftime recognition for Communities in Schools – Houston, the community partner selected by Dash forward Kiki Van Zanten as part of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide. Communities In Schools of Houston serves more than 140 campuses across the region, delivering academic support, counseling and access to a broad network of community resources that help students navigate college readiness and prepare for long-term career success. Through its evidence-based Integrated Student Supports model, CIS provides tiered services that include school-wide initiatives, targeted group programming, and individualized case management. Additional information about the Lauren Holiday Impact Award is available HERE
Houston looks for their second victory in this three-game homestand as they host the 2025 NWSL Shield winners for the final meeting of the regular season. A late rally fell short last Saturday as the Dash dropped points to Gotham FC following a 1-0 loss at home. The match marked the team debut of forward Khyah Harper, who joined the Dash earlier in the week following a transfer from Gotham. Harper helped Gotham win the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup and 2025 NWSL Championship and will remain under contract with the Dash for the remainder of the season.
Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark was named NWSL Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, on Thursday. The University of North Carolina product helped Houston earn five points during a four-match stretch following the FIFA World Cup break. The midfielder recorded an assist in Houston's first match following the FIFA Men's World Cup break against the Washington Spirit on July 3 before scoring her first NWSL goal and adding an assist in a 2-2 draw with Denver Summit FC on July 12. Ullmark then capped the month with a dramatic stoppage-time game-winning goal against Bay FC on July 24 at Shell Energy Stadium.
Houston's rookie class has continued to play a pivotal role throughout the 2026 campaign. First-year players have combined for 16 goal contributions this season, while the Dash continue to lead the league in rookie starts, appearances and minutes played. Ullmark joins teammate Kat Rader, who earned NWSL Rookie of the Month honors in May. The first Dash player to ever earn Rookie of the Month honors was midfielder Maggie Graham at the start of the 2025 season.
Kansas City enters Saturday's match unbeaten in its last two outings after a 5-1 victory over Racing Louisville FC on July 29 and a 1-1 draw with Angel City FC last weekend. The Current enter the weekend with 29 points, good for fifth place in the NWSL standings.
Forward Haley Hopkins has found the back of the net in each of Kansas City's last two matches and will play an important role as the Current navigate the absence of Temwa Chawinga, who is representing the Malawi Women's National Team at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Kansas City's attack also features former league MVP Debinha, U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Croix Bethune and veteran midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta.
Kansas City earned three points in the first meeting of the season between both teams following a 3-0 victory at CPKC Stadium. Houston, however, earned a 1-0 victory in the last meeting at Shell Energy Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025, and has collected five points from its last three regular-season home matches against Kansas City.
The Dash travel to Cary, North Carolina next weekend to face the North Carolin Courage. The team returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 19 to face Chicago Stars FC. Tickets for this match include a $10 concession credit and fans can purchase tickets for the match HERE.
