HOUSTON (April 30, 2026) - The Houston Dash close a three-match homestand on Friday, May 1, as they host Seattle Reign FC at 7:00 p.m. at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dash also begin a seven-game stretch to close the first portion of the season prior to a break for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
The Dash look to bounce back following a 1-0 loss to the North Carolina Courage last weekend at home. That match snapped Houston’s seven-match unbeaten run at home, going back to the 2025 season. The match marked the return of forward Kate Faasse, who missed the last three matches due to an injury sustained on March 14 in the first match of the season against San Diego. This match also marked the first start of the season for defender Lisa Boattin, who suffered an injury earlier this year while on international duty.
Friday’s match could mark the Dash debut of midfielder Emina Ekić, who signed with the team earlier this week. The 2024/2025 USL Super League Player of the Year returns to the NWSL following a stint with Spokane Zephyr FC and more recently with Lexington SC. The University of Louisville alum began her professional career in Kentucky after she was drafted with the fifth overall pick by Racing Louisville FC in 2021.
The Dash look to spark an offense that scored seven goals at home in the first two matches of the year at Shell Energy Stadium. Midfielder Kiki Van Zanten and forward Kat Rader headline a group that has helped Houston remain competitive in tight matches both at home and on the road with key contributions in the final third. Rader has tallied 11 chances created in her first five NWSL matches and she has contributed to three goals (two goals and one assist) this season.
Defensively, the team will look to captain Jane Campbell to anchor a backline that has earned two clean sheets this season. Campbell finished with seven saves against North Carolina last weekend. Defender Leah Klenke is a new addition to the backline and she currently leads field players with 29 recoveries. The Houston native is one of six first-year players to sign with the Dash this season. To date, five of the six first-year players have earned minutes this season. Defender Natalie Bain is the sixth first-year player to sign with the team and she will report to Houston next month following the conclusion of her academic term at Xavier University.
Seattle also looks to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Utah Royals FC at home on Sunday evening. That loss snapped a three-game unbeaten run that included back-to-back victories over Louisville and the Kansas City Current. Brittany Ratcliffe and Maddie Mercado currently lead the team with two goals each, and Nerilia Mondesir leads the team with two assists. Defensively, Claudia Dickey is tied for the second most saves in the league with 22.
Friday’s match will mark the final visit for Jess Fishlock, who announced earlier this season that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign. The Reign captain played her entire 14-year NWSL career in Seattle and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2021.
Houston won the regular season series against Seattle in 2025 with a victory at Lumen Field following a goal from midfielder Maggie Graham. The two teams split points following a 1-1 draw at Shell Energy Stadium on Aug. 24.
The Dash travel to Salt Lake City next week for their first midweek game of the season as they face Utah Royals FC on Wednesday, May 6 at 9 a.m. CT. The team returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, May 9 to host Denver Summit FC for Inspiring Women’s Night, presented by United Airlines. For tickets and additional information, visit HoustonDash.com
