HOUSTON (May 19, 2026) - The Houston Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, May 20 for the final homestand prior to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The Dash will host the top-ranked San Diego Wave FC for the second and final meeting of the regular season. Each ticket purchased for Wednesday’s match includes a $10 concession voucher and fans can purchase tickets HERE.
The Dash dropped points last Friday as they fell 3-0 to the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. The match marked the return of midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who made her first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in September 2025. The veteran midfielder has now appeared in 149 NWSL regular season matches. The Olympic gold medalist was a key contributor to Houston’s second half push for a postseason berth last year. Schmidt scored a goal in the 2-2 draw with Bay FC on Aug. 2, 2024, and she scored the game-winning goal a week later at home against the North Carolina Courage.
Defender Allysha Chapman also earned her first start of the season and recorded her 103rd regular season appearance for Houston, the third-most in club history. Chapman, along with Schmidt and captain Jane Campbell, are three of the longest-tenured players on the team. Chapman joined the Dash in 2015 and returned to Texas for her second stint with the team in 2019. Since then, Chapman has played a key role in helping the Dash win its first league trophy (2020 NWSL Challenge Cup) and reach the postseason for the first time in team history (2022).
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Friday’s match also featured key minutes from five first-year players on the roster. Houston currently leads the league with 32 rookie starts this season. The Dash have consistently relied on young talent this season, featuring three or more first-year players in the starting XI for every match. Midfielder Cate Hardin earned her second start of the season in Kansas City and she led the team with five interceptions. Houston native Leah Klenke, along with midfielders Kat Raderand Linda Ullmark, have appeared in every match for the Dash this season.
The Dash earned three points in the first meeting of the season with San Diego on March 14. Houston won the match 1-0 following a goal from forward Makenzy Robbe. The forward suffered a season-ending injury the following month and was placed on the season-ending injury list. Robbe is currently in Houston and navigating her recovery with the Dash medical staff. Robbe’s impact extends beyond the pitch. She joined local students at the University of Houston on Saturday for ConocoPhillips’ STEM Zone Day, where she participated in a panel discussion about her journey to the NWSL and encouraged students to pursue their goals with confidence. The forward also joined her teammates at the Dynamo & Dash Charities Class on Sunday afternoon.
The Wave visit Shell Energy Stadium with the best record in the league following back-to-back victories. Their latest triumph was a 2-1 result at home against the Washington Spirit. Dudinha has played a key role for San Diego at the start of the season by contributing to seven goals (three goals and four assists) in the first 10 games of the year. She is one of eight player to score for the Wave this season and Kimmi Ascanio added her name to that list in the Wave’s last outing by scoring in the 89th minute to earn three points against the Spirit.
This fixture featured a sibling rivalry between Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten and her younger sister, Mimi Van Zanten. Both players played in the first match of the season but they each played in opposite halves of the game. Kiki Van Zanten has missed the last few matches due to a thigh injury and her status will be confirmed by the team later today on the availability report.
The Dash close the week by celebrating Military Appreciation Night against Angel City FC on Saturday, May 23. For tickets and more information, visit HoustonDash.com.
