Dash Shut Out Chicago

HOUSTON — On September 19th at Shell Energy Stadium, the Houston Dash earned a 1–0 victory over Chicago Stars FC, keeping their playoff hopes alive in front of a lively Noche Latina crowd.

The decisive moment came in the 28th minute, when Yazmeen Ryan intercepted a defensive mistake and calmly slotted her shot into the bottom corner — her fourth goal of the season. From that point on, Houston leaned on their defense and goalkeeper play, with Abby Smith coming up big to protect the clean sheet.

But the night was about more than the scoreline. The MAFC 2016 youth team proudly walked out with the Dash players during pre-match introductions, experiencing the thrill of stepping onto the pitch under the stadium lights. It was a special community moment, bridging Houston’s next generation of players with their professional role models.

Key Notes

• Ryan’s 28th-minute strike sealed the win.

• Abby Smith’s saves preserved the clean sheet.

• Malia Berkely and Anna Heilferty featured, showing the squad’s depth.

• Community spotlight: MAFC 2016 walked out hand-in-hand with the Dash starters.

What’s Next

With five matches left, the Dash are within striking distance of the playoff line. Wins like this — fueled by grit on the field and community off it — could be the push Houston needs down the stretch.