Match Forecast: Reign FC Set for Match in Houston on Friday
Seattle Reign FC travels to Houston this week to take on the Dash this Friday, May 1 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Looking to get back in the win column, the Reign will rely on their roster strength and depth to lift them past the seventh place Houston Dash.
KEY INFO
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PT at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on Victory+ or FOX 13+. Learn more about tune in options here.
2026 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 3-2-1 (10 points, 4th place), Houston Dash: 3-2-0 (9 points, 7th place)
WHAT TO KNOW AHEAD OF THE MATCH
LAST MEETING
This match marks the 30th all-time meeting between Seattle and Houston, dating back to the 2014 NWSL season. The Reign historically have dominated this series, earning 18 wins, six losses and five draws across all NWSL competitions.
The last meeting between the two teams began with a brief delay due to the weather in Houston. When the match eventually kicked off, it became clear that the Reign would spend the majority of the first half absorbing pressure from the home team.
The action amped up in the second half as Houston wasted no time scoring the opening goal, with Yazmeen Ryan capitalizing on a mistake from the Reign. The Dash took a hold of the match but were unable to maintain the lead, as the Reign scored a goal against the run of play to level the scoreline. Defender Sofia Huerta served a ball into the box for Jordyn Huitema to head into the back of the net. The assist pushed Huerta to the NWSL all-time assist record.
SCOUTING HOUSTON
Most recently, Houston took on the North Carolina Courage and fell 1-0, marking their first loss at home in 2026. The game was decided by a goal from Ashely Sanchez in the 42nd minute, as she got on the end of a long ball from Manaka Matsukubo. North Carolina went down to 10 players in the 78th minute when Ally Schlegel was issued a red card, but even so, Houston was unable to mount a comeback.
WE GO AGAIN
The Reign are fully focused on the match ahead in Houston, despite a relatively quick turnaround from Sunday’s loss to Utah. The entire roster will be called upon to perform in Texas, from top to bottom, especially with the absence of Reign FC veteran Jess Fishlock, who went down injured in the match against Utah.
In addition to veteran leaders who remain steadfast for the Reign, like Sofia Huerta and Brittany Ratcliffe, there’s a hunger from Seattle’s young core that was on display as the substitutes brought a wave of energy against Utah, despite the circumstances. Players like Emeri Adames, Maddie Dahlien and Mia Fishel all left their impact on the game and will be looking to build on those performances.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For the Reign, midfielder Sam Meza posted a solid performance in the middle of the field, starting and playing the entire match. She led the team in tackles and passes in the final third, putting in a solid two-way shift. She has appeared in all six matches this season and has recorded one assist.
The Reign also saw forward Mia Fishel return to action on Sunday for the first time since March. Though she only played just over 15 minutes, she was a clear attacking threat.
For Houston, midfielder Kiki Van Zanten has been performing strong, netting four goals across two matches for the Dash before the international break. The Jamaican international was named NWSL Player of the Week on April for her performance. She played 85 minutes against North Carolina and managed one shot.
Houston has three field ironwomen this season in Avery Patterson, Paige Nielsen and Leah Klenke, all part of a Dash backline that has conceded just six goals on the year.