Houston Dash Hit the Road to Face Racing Louisville FC

When and Where Is the Next Match?

The Houston Dash are finishing a three-game trip away from home. Here is what you need to know:

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Opponent: Racing Louisville FC
• Place: Lynn Family Stadium (in Louisville)
• Kickoff time: 7:00 p.m. CT (Central Time)
• How to watch: Live on NWSL+

Important Point: This is the final game of a three-match road trip for Houston.

How Did the Dash Do on the Road Trip So Far?

Last weekend, Houston got its first point of the trip. They were losing twice but fought back to a 2-2 tie with Denver Summit FC.

• Forward Kat Rader scored her 5th goal of the season.
• Midfielder Linda Ullmark scored the tying goal early in the second half. It was her first NWSL goal ever!
• Ullmark also had an assist (helped a teammate score). Over her last three games, she has helped make 3 goals (1 goal, 2 assists).
• Midfielder Maggie Graham was nominated for NWSL Player of the Week after helping on both goals, including her 2nd assist of the season.

Why Are the Rookies Shining?

Houston’s new players are doing great things:

• Rader’s 5th goal made her the top rookie scorer in the whole league. A "rookie" is a first-year player.
• She is also Houston’s top scorer with 5 goals.
• All of Houston’s first-year players have combined for 14 goal contributions (8 goals, 6 assists).
• The Dash have scored the most "equalizing goals" in the league this year with 6. That means goals that turn a loss into a tie.
• Because of those, Houston has earned 5 points from losing positions, which is the 2nd most in the NWSL.

Important Point: First-year players are a big reason Houston keeps coming back from behind!

Who Is Protecting the Goal and Defense?

Houston’s defense is led by experienced players:

• Captain Jane Campbell made 8 saves against Denver, including a big one at the end to keep the tie.
• Defender Paige Nielsen leads the team with 81 clearances (kicks or heads the ball away from danger).
• Defender Leah Klenke is second with 73 clearances.
• Defender Avery Patterson is back after missing one game due to too many yellow cards (warnings). She leads the team with 22 tackles won and has made 15 chances to score.

A Homecoming for Emina Ekić

Saturday might be a special return for midfielder Emina Ekić:

• She started her pro career with Racing Louisville FC, getting picked 5th in the 2021 NWSL Draft.
• She is from Louisville and scored the team’s first regular-season goal and helped them win their first ever game.
• She later played in Australia and the USL Super League.
• She joined Houston in April after being named USL Super League Player of the Year with Spokane Zephyr FC.

What Happened Last Time These Teams Met?

On April 3, Houston beat Racing Louisville 4-3 at Shell Energy Stadium.

• It was a wild game with 7 total goals.
• It was the first NWSL game ever with 4 penalty kick goals. A penalty kick is a free shot from close up because of a foul.
• Kiki Van Zanten scored two goals.
• Rader and Sarah Puntigam also scored.
• Puntigam made the winning penalty kick at the very end.

How Is Racing Louisville Doing?

Racing Louisville is having a tough time right now:

• They have not won in their last 5 games.
• Last week they lost 2-0 to Bay FC.
• Forward Sarah Weber leads them with 3 goals.
• Emma Sears, Taylor Flint, Kayla Fischer, and Lauren Milliet each have 2 goals.
• Coach Bev Yanez led them to their first playoff appearance last season.

What’s Next After Saturday?

The Dash go back home to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, July 24, to play Bay FC.

• It is Global Fútbol Night, presented by Verizon.
• This follows Houston being a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Fans get a special scarf at the game to celebrate soccer and Houston’s many cultures.
• Buy tickets HERE.

Summary

The Houston Dash finish a three-game road trip on July 18 at 7:00 p.m. CT against Racing Louisville FC, live on NWSL+. Houston tied Denver last week thanks to goals from Rader and Ullmark. Rookies are leading the team in scoring and comebacks. The defense is strong with Campbell and others. Ekić may return to her old club in Louisville. Houston won 4-3 last time, and Louisville is winless in 5. Next, Houston hosts Bay FC on July 24 for Global Fútbol Night.

FAQ

1. What is NWSL+?
It is the streaming service where you can watch NWSL soccer games live, including the Dash match on Saturday.

2. What is a rookie in soccer?
A rookie is a player in their first professional season in the league.

3. Why is Avery Patterson back for this game?
She missed one game because she got too many yellow cards (warnings from the referee), but her suspension is over.

4. What is Global Fútbol Night?
It is a Houston Dash home game on July 24 that celebrates soccer around the world and Houston’s cultures, with a free scarf for fans.

5. What is a penalty kick?
It is a special close-range shot given to a team when the other team commits a certain foul, and only the goalkeeper can try to stop it.