Soccer Tejas
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INDIO, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2026) – The Houston Dash concluded their participation in the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC earlier today.
Defender Leah Klenke delivered a cross that opened the scoring in the 65th minute. Her cross found midfielder Linda Ullmark inside the box for a header that deflected off a Portland defender into the net for an own goal.
Portland responded a minute later in the 66th minute after forward Deyna Castellanos equalized with an ambitious effort near midfield.
Houston created an opportunity in the 37th minute when forward Makenzy Robbe fired a shot toward the center of the net, but the attempt was handled by the goalkeeper. Houston created another opportunity moments later when Klenke delivered a long ball to forward Yazmeen Ryan, who created space for a shot, but the effort was just over the crossbar.
Houston threatened again in the 55th minute when forward Kate Faasse connected with Robbe inside the box, but her attempt was denied at the near post.
Houston nearly found a late go-ahead goal in the 80th minute when defender Allysha Chapman delivered a cross into the box that found Kat Rader, but Rader’s header went wide of the near post.
Goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle was called into action in the 85th minute, coming up with a key save to keep the match level.
The Dash continue its preseason campaign, as they travel to face Dallas Trinity FC in the I-45 Texas Showdown at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. Houston open the 2026 regular season on the road against San Diego Wave FC on Saturday, March 14, before hosting its home opener against expansion side Boston Legacy FC on Saturday, March 21.
