HOUSTON (July 31, 2026) - The Houston Dash continue a three-match homestand on Saturday, Aug. 1 as they host Gotham FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The club will celebrate its annual Pride Night, presented by the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. Fans can purchase a commemorative scarf for $15 and tickets for the match are available HERE.
Houston enters Saturday's Pride Night matchup against reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC with momentum following a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Midfielder Linda Ullmark scored the game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time, her first goal at home this season. The rookie's second goal of the season marked Houston's third stoppage-time game-winning goal of the campaign. Ullmark has now contributed to four goals (two goals, two assists) over her last four regular-season appearances and has five goal contributions this season, the most by a player under the age of 21 in club history.
Defensively, Houston continues to build momentum behind captain Jane Campbell, who recorded seven saves in Friday's victory to earn the club's fourth clean sheet of the season. Campbell’s performance earned an NWSL Save of the Week nomination, while defender Leah Klenkeanchored the back line with a team-high seven clearances against Bay FC.
Saturday could also mark several notable milestones for the Dash. Defender Allysha Chapman is one appearance away from becoming just the third player in club history to reach 100 regular-season matches with Houston. Saturday could also feature Houston's newest attacking additions to the roster. Forward Miljana Ivanović is available for selection after joining the Dash from Malmö FF in June and could become the first Serbian player to compete in the NWSL. Houston also acquired Khyah Harper earlier this week following a transfer from Gotham FC, where she helped the club win the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup and 2025 NWSL Championship. Harper could make her Dash debut against her former team just days after arriving in Houston.
The Dash look to even the season series with Gotham FC this weekend after a narrow 1-0 defeat on the road in the first meeting between the clubs on May 31. Houston generated several dangerous opportunities through Avery Patterson, Kate Faasse and Rader, while Campbell matched a season-high with seven saves to keep the Dash within a goal throughout the match.
Gotham FC enters Saturday following a 1-0 road victory over Bay FC on Wednesday evening, extending the club's unbeaten streak to five matches. Forward Midge Purce scored the game-winning goal in the second minute for the second consecutive match, while Sam Kerr continues to lead the attack after returning to the club earlier this month. Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan recorded her second clean sheet in as many starts this season as Gotham remained in second in the league standings with 34 points.
Purce enters the weekend after scoring in back-to-back matches for the first time since 2021 and now holds Gotham FC's club record with 10 regular-season game-winning goals. Midfielder Jaelin Howell added her second assist of the season in Wednesday's victory, while defender Jess Carter anchored the backline with a team-high eight clearances. Gotham also welcomed midfielder Taryn Torres back to competition after the midfielder made her first appearance since September 2025 following an ACL injury.
The Dash conclude a three-match homestand on Saturday, Aug. 8 against the Kansas City Current for Black Excellence Night at Shell Energy Stadium. Through the club's partnership with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, first-time attendees can redeem two complimentary tickets with promo code HOUSTON26 at checkout. Fans can also purchase a rally towel add-on to pick up on matchday, and tickets are available HERE.
