HOUSTON (June 12, 2025) - The Houston Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, June 13, for Pride Night as they host the San Diego Wave. Friday’s match marks the final home game before the league break and the first of two meetings between the Dash and the Wave this season.
The Dash look to come back from a 1-0 road loss to the Orlando Pride last week. Houston held the reigning NWSL champions scoreless for nearly 100 minutes before conceding the game-winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time. The team delivered a strong defensive performance, recording 37 total clearances, with standout efforts from defenders Katie Lind and Paige Neilsen, who each tallied eight, and goalkeeper Abby Smith who finished the match with seven saves.
Defender Natalie Jacobs contributed on both ends of the field, recording six clearances and making 11 entries into the final third. Midfielders Yazmeen Ryan and Maggie Graham each won 11 duels, showcasing their competitiveness in the middle of the pitch.
Friday’s match will also feature the club’s Pride Night celebration, with special activations and giveaways throughout the stadium. Fans can look forward to Pride-themed merchandise, including the Dash Pride Shirt, and interactive activities such as the Dash Bash Salon and friendship bracelet-making. A Pride playlist and a themed photo backdrop will also be available inside the stadium to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
San Diego enters Friday’s match ranked third in the NWSL standings with a 6-3-2 (W-L-D) record, coming off a 2-1 loss to Seattle Reign FC. The Wave are led by forward Adriana Leon, who scored a brace in a recent 5-2 victory over North Carolina Courage and was named NWSL Player of the Week in Week 10 of the 2025 season.
The Wave hold a 4-1-1 all-time record against Houston since joining the league in 2022. The Dash earned their first victory over San Diego in their most recent meeting, a 2-0 win last fall. Houston opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a penalty kick converted by midfielder Bárbara Olivieri, following a yellow card issued to Naomi Grima for a foul inside the box. The Dash doubled their lead in the 72nd minute, after Olivieri found forward Ramona Bachmann for the final goal of the match. Houston will travel to San Diego for their second matchup of the season on Saturday, Sep. 7.
The Dash will travel to face North Carolina Courage on Saturday, June 21, before entering the league break. Houston returns to NWSL play on Saturday, Aug. 2 as they travel west to face Bay FC. The team will be back at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, Aug. 8 as they host the Courage. Tickets for that match are available on SeatGeek.
