HOUSTON (July 2, 2026) - The Houston Dash return to NWSL play on Friday, traveling to the nation's capital to face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. The match opens a three-game road stretch for Houston and marks the team’s first league fixture following the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup break. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT, and fans can follow the action live on Victory+.
Throughout the break, the Dash remained active in the community through a series of fan activations at Dash House, including player meet-and-greets, giveaways and interactive experiences. The Club's World Cup celebrations continue next week with an open training session at Shell Energy Stadium on Tuesday, July 7 and Perreo & Pilates on the Pitch, presented by College Ave on Thursday, July 9. For more information, visit HERE.
Houston returns to league play following a 1-0 loss on the road to Gotham FC on May 31. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury and finished with seven saves, while defender Paige Nielsen became the third player in club history to reach 5,000 regular-season minutes with the Dash.
Offensively, rookie forward Kat Rader enters Friday's match tied for the most goals on the team with four after scoring in consecutive home matches prior to the league break. The May NWSL Rookie of the Month is tied for the league lead among rookies with four goals as well, while Houston's rookie class also leads the league in starts for first-year players through the opening half of the campaign.
Houston also returns from the international break with several roster updates. The Club signed Serbian international forward Miljana Ivanović through the 2028 NWSL season following a transfer from Malmö FF, making her the first Serbian player in NWSL history. Houston also signed midfielder Maggie Graham to a contract extension through the 2029 season, while defender Rebeca will remain on loan with Spanish side Dux Logroño through June 2027.
The two sides last met at Audi Field on Sept. 28, 2025, where the Washington Spirit earned three points. Houston will look to earn its first victory over the Spirit since the 2024 season on Friday.
Washington returns to league play following a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC on May 30 at Audi Field. Leicy Santos opened the scoring with a first-half free kick before Hal Hershfelt netted the game winner in the 81st minute. The victory marked Washington's fifth consecutive win over Seattle and its third straight home victory.
Washington also enters Friday’s match with two midseason roster updates, exercising the 2027 contract option for forward Tamara Bolt and extending short-term injury replacement player Madison Haugen through the end of the 2026 season.
Washington enters the second half of the season with a balanced attack. Leicy Santos, Sofia Cantore and Claudia Martínez are tied for the team lead with three goals each, while Trinity Rodman leads the club with four assists and enters Friday's match as Washington's all-time assists leader.
Defensively, Washington has conceded just nine goals through the opening half of the season. Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver has recorded 27 saves, while the Spirit have allowed one goal or fewer in seven of their opening matches.
Houston travels next to face expansion side Denver Summit FC for the second and final match of the season on July 12. The Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on July 24 for Global Football Night, presented by Verizon, against Bay FC. Tickets for that match and all home matches are available HERE.
