LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 18, 2026) – Midfielder Kat Rader scored a late equalizer to help the Houston Dash earn a 1-1 draw and a valuable road point against Racing Louisville FC earlier this evening. Rader has now scored six goals this season, the most ever by a rookie for the team, per Jen Cooper and the NWSL broadcast team. The team has now earned points in back-to-back games and scored in three consecutive games.
Houston’s rookie trio of Kate Faasse, Linda Ullmark and Rader have combined for 15 goal contributions (goals and assists) this season, accounting for 40 percent of all rookie goal contributions in the NWSL this year. Ullmark also remains the only Dash player to start every regular season match this season.
Racing Louisville FC took the lead in the 19th minute after Kayla Fischer capitalized on a rebound inside the six-yard box for her third goal of the season. Dash captain Jane Campbell denied Emma Sears moments prior to the opening goal of the match and Fischer capitalized on the loose ball for the go-ahead goal.
Rader registered Houston's first shot on target in the fifth minute with a right-footed effort from inside the box that was saved by Jordyn Bloomer.
Defender Avery Patterson came up with a key defensive clearance in the fifth minute to concede a corner kick. Louisville generated its first shot of the match off the ensuing set piece, but Campbelltallied her first save of the night. The goalkeeper added another stop in the 11th minute to deny Mekenna Morris and finished the match with four saves.
Midfielder Kiki Van Zanten forced a save in the 36th minute after she dribbled from midfield into the final third, but her effort was saved and eventually cleared for a throw in.
Campbell was called into action again in the 42nd minute, making a leaping save following a Louisville corner kick to keep Houston within a goal.
Houston threatened in first-half stoppage time after Patterson found space in the attacking third, but her effort went over the top corner of the far post. Van Zanten nearly found the equalizer moments later after dribbling into the box, but the Louisville goalkeeper was well positioned to make the save.
Houston threatened early in the second half as Patterson got on the end of a cross from Rader in the 47th minute, but her first-time effort from the edge of the box went just wide of the goal.
Van Zanten tested the Louisville goalkeeper in the 52nd minute following a quick exchange of passes with Patterson. The Jamaican international created space for a right-footed effort, but the goalkeeper was well positioned to make the save.
Forward Clarissa Larisey created an immediate impact after entering the match in the 72nd minute. The Canadian international generated Houston's next opportunity a minute later from the right side of the box, but the attempt was saved by Bloomer.
Fresh off Houston's memorable run as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ host city, the Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, July 24, to host Bay FC for Global Fútbol Night, presented by Verizon. The first fans to enter the stadium will receive a themed scarf as the club celebrates the global game and the rich cultural diversity that defines Houston. Tickets for that match and all home matches are available HERE.
