CARY, N.C. (Aug. 16, 2026) – A brace from Houston Dash forward Clarissa Larisey late in the second half helped the team secure a 3-2 victory over the North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park this evening. The Dash have now earned 10 points from a losing position this season, the second most in league play this year.
The Dash have now had three multi-goal games this season and Larisey is the first player to score multiple goals off the bench for the Dash since the 2014 season.
The Courage took the lead in the 37th minute after Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell made a save on Evelyn Ijeh’s effort at the near post. The ball fell to Ally Schlegel and she capitalized for her third goal of the season.
Houston equalized in the 42nd minute after rookie Kate Faasse capitalized on a rebound inside the box. Forward Kiki Van Zanten forced a save following a corner kick and the University of North Carolina alum was well positioned to guide the ball into the back of the net for her third goal of the season. Faasse was one of six players that played college soccer in the region to step on the field for the Dash tonight. With tonight’s goal, Houston rookies have combined for 12 goals this season, the most in league play.
North Carolina scored the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute after Schlegel found Ijeh at the near post.
The Dash continued to battle and found another equalizer moments later through Larisey. Defender Avery Patterson provided the assist on the play and the goal marked Larisey’s first of the season and her first since September of last year. The Canadian international struck again in the 93rd minute, this time with an assist from defender Lisa Boattin, to give the Dash all three points. The goal marked Larisey’s second of the match and second of the season, while Boattin recorded her first assist in the NWSL this season.
Houston’s first shot of the match came off the right foot of forward Kat Rader in the fourth minute, but her effort towards goal was blocked by a Courage defender and ultimately handled by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Houston almost capitalized on a turnover moments later after midfielder Linda Ullmark won possession near the top of the box, but her effort was blocked and went out of play for a corner.
The Dash return 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.
