NWSL:Houston Dash Close Coachella Valley Invitational with 1-1 Draw vs. Portland
- Jonathan Turner
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
INDIO, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2026) — The Houston Dash closed play at the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns FC on Saturday at Empire Polo Club.
Houston took the lead in the 65th minute when defender Leah Klenke delivered a cross into the box that led to an own goal. Midfielder Linda Ullmark met the service with a header that deflected off a Portland defender and into the net.
Portland answered one minute later. Forward Deyna Castellanos equalized in the 66th minute with a long-range effort that found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1.
The Dash generated several scoring opportunities throughout the match. In the 37th minute, forward Makenzy Robbe fired a shot toward the center of goal, but the attempt was saved. Moments later, Klenke played a long ball to forward Yazmeen Ryan, who created space for a shot that sailed 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. In the 80th minute, defender Allysha Chapman delivered a cross that found Kat Rader, whose header went wide of the near post.
Goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle preserved the draw in the 85th minute with a key save to keep the match level.
Houston will continue its preseason campaign on Saturday, Feb. 28, traveling to face Dallas Trinity FC in the I-45 Texas Showdown at 6 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The Dash open the 2026 NWSL regular season on the road against San Diego Wave FC on Saturday, March 14, before hosting Boston Legacy FC in the home opener on Saturday, March 21, at Shell Energy Stadium.
Match Summary
Houston Dash 1, Portland Thorns FC 1
Coachella Valley Invitational — Game 2
Empire Polo Club — Indio, California
Scoring Summary
HOU — Own goal (Leah Klenke assist), 65’
POR — Deyna Castellanos (unassisted), 66’
Houston Dash: Jane Campbell (Caroline DeLisle, 62’); Lisa Boattin (Danny Colaprico, 62’), Malia Berkely (Allysha Chapman, 62’), Leah Klenke (Christen Westphal, 76’), Avery Patterson (Paige Nielsen, 45’); Sarah Puntigam (Kat Rader, 62’), Maggie Graham (Linda Ullmark), Delanie Sheehan (Kiki Van Zanten, 62’); Makenzy Robbe (Messiah Bright, 62’), Kate Faasse (Evelina Duljan, 76’), Yazmeen Ryan.
Portland Thorns FC: Morgan Messner; M.A. Vignola (Mallie McKenzie, 32’), Jayden Perry (Carolyn Calzada, 45’), Isabella Obazé (Sam Hiatt, 70’), Reyna Reyes (Sydney Cheesman, 70’); Maddie Padelski (Pietra Tordin, 45’), Jessie Fleming; Olivia Moultrie (Mimi Alidou, 25’), Shae Hervey (Cassandra Bogere, 32’; Jennie Nordin, 45’), Ferrah Walters (Alexa Spaanstra, 70’); Deyna Castellanos (Renee Lyles, 70’).
Hutton Makes Immediate Impact
Hutton’s preseason debut provided a glimpse of her influence in midfield. Paired alongside Bebar, she helped establish rhythm and structure throughout her 65-minute shift.
“I thought she was composed on the ball,” Coates said. “For how little time we’ve had with her, she’s picked up our structures quickly. She and Hannah developed a really nice relationship.”
Bebar echoed that sentiment.
“She’s an insanely good player,” Bebar said. “Her calmness and leadership organize the midfield. She sets the standard and makes everyone around her better.”
Hutton described the experience as an encouraging first step.
“It’s exciting to see what we’re starting to build,” Hutton said. “There’s a clear picture of what’s expected, so it’s easy to plug in and play.”
Looking Ahead
Bay FC will return home to continue preparations for the 2026 NWSL regular season, which kicks off March 14 at PayPal Park against expansion side Denver Summit FC. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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