HOUSTON (Oct. 17, 2026) - The Houston Dash close a two-match homestand at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18 to host the Orlando Pride for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, presented by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The match will celebrate survivors and advocates while bringing the Dash community together in support of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT, and fans who arrive early will receive a belt bag, courtesy of UT MD Anderson.
The Dash enter Sunday's match following a 3-2 loss to the Washington Spirit on Oct. 4. Forward Miljana Ivanović scored her first two NWSL goals in the match, becoming the first Serbian player to score in league play and the first Dash player to score her first two goals in a single game. Ivanović was nominated for NWSL Player of the Week, while her first goal was also nominated for Goal of the Week.
Rookie forward Kat Rader continues to lead Houston’s attack this season with 10 goals, 38 chances created and 31 shots on target and also closing in on NWSL history, sitting one goal shy of matching the league’s single-season rookie scoring record of 11, set by Diana Ordóñez with the North Carolina Courage in 2023. Houston will look to capitalize on its attacking opportunities as it closes the regular season with two matches at Shell Energy Stadium.
The Duke University alum was also named to the 2026 NWSL Skills Challenge roster, the league announced Thursday. The competition will take place on Friday, Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C., as part of the NWSL Championship festivities.
Defensively, goalkeeper and captain Jane Campbell continues to anchor the Dash defense. Campbell recorded her 114th save of the season against the Washington Spirit, surpassing her own NWSL record for saves in a single campaign. The Dash will look to build on Campbell’s record-setting performance and limit an Orlando attack led by one of the league’s most prolific scorers.
The Orlando Pride enter Sunday's match following a 2-1 loss to San Diego Wave FC on Oct. 2. Barbra Banda scored Orlando’s, converting from the penalty spot for her team-leading 17th goal of the season. The goal extended Banda’s club record for goals in a single campaign and moved her into a tie for the fourth-highest single-season scoring total in NWSL history. Orlando remains in contention for a postseason berth and will look to rebound on the road as the regular season enters its final three matches. Banda leads an Orlando attack that also features Brazilian international Marta and Haley McCutcheon, who combine for 11 goal contributions this season.
Sunday's match marks the second and final regular-season meeting between Houston and Orlando in 2026. The Pride claimed a 3-1 victory on Sept. 6 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, in what was interim head coach Yolanda Thomas’ first match in charge. Thomas has since guided Orlando to a 2-2-1 (W-L-D) record. Midfielder Kiki Van Zanten scored Houston’s lone goal
in the first meeting, finishing a pass from forward Khyah Harper in the 72nd minute. The Dash will look to respond in front of their home fans and close the season series with a victory.
Following the match, fans are invited to cheer on local Houston-area police officers and firefighters as they face off in the inaugural Women's Battle of the Badge. The police officers are raising funds for the Houston Police Family Support Unit, while firefighters are playing for the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341. This first-of-its-kind friendly will feature two 25-minute halves and a 10-minute halftime break.
The Dash will travel to Chicago for their final road match of the regular season on Oct. 23 and before closing the campaign at home against Portland Thorns FC on Nov.1. Houston will celebrate Fan Appreciation Night during the season finale. Tickets for the match are available HERE.
