Rookie Maggie Graham netted her third goal of the season to help the Houston Dash secure a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Reign on Sunday night in the National Women’s Soccer League. This result marked the end of the Reign’s three-game streak without defeat at their home ground.
In another NWSL clash on the same day, the Kansas City Current overwhelmed visiting Bay FC with a decisive 4-1 win. As the match commenced without any goals in the first half, the Reign seemed to be enhancing their offensive play, but it was the Dash (3-4-1) who broke the deadlock first. Maggie Graham skillfully converted a cross from Ryan Gareis in the 57th minute.
The Reign (3-3-2) nearly found the equalizer in the 77th minute when Emeri Adames struck a powerful half-volley from outside the box, only for it to be denied by the crossbar. Under the guidance of new coach Fabrice Gautrat, Houston is still searching for consistency, following a challenging spell in which they lost three out of their last four games.
In a strategic change to the lineup, Gautrat decided to start Abby Smith in goal, replacing veteran goalkeeper Jane Campbell. This marked Smith’s first start for the Dash after her transition from Gotham FC and her first opportunity to play in the regular season since recovering from a significant knee injury in 2023. Following the match, Campbell showed her support by embracing Smith. The victory was only Houston’s second ever in Seattle.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Current ended their two-game losing streak with a strong performance, led by Dabinia, who found the back of the net twice. Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga also contributed to the Current’s (6-2-0) triumph, pleasing a sellout crowd at CPKC Stadium and securing their position at the top of the NWSL standings.
Dabinia’s second strike of the night came from a free kick in the 38th minute, extending the Current’s lead to 3-0 in the first half and marking her 52nd career goal in the league. Stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt from “Ted Lasso” galvanized the crowd with a “KC Baby! KC Baby!” chant before kickoff.
Penelope Hocking managed to score for Bay FC (2-4-2), who faced their second consecutive defeat.