(image via Aldo Canale)
We’re continuing our 2026 report card series, recapping each Houston Dash player’s season. Next up is defender Avery Patterson.
2026 Grade: A
2026 by the numbers
Appearances: 26
Minutes played: 2,340
Goals: 0
Assists: 3
2026 in review
After a Best XI season in 2025, Patterson returned with another strong season in 2026. She tied for the team lead in assists with three and had the highest FotMob rating for the season with a 7.20, just surpassing Jane Campbell’s 7.17.
Patterson continues to improve as a defender, averaging 7.5 defensive contributions this season. Patterson’s ability to get into the attack and still lock down dangerous wingers is one of the reasons she looks likely to earn a spot on the United States’ 2027 World Cup roster.
Moment of the season
Patterson didn’t score a goal this season but she had a number of very good games. In the 5-0 win over Chicago Stars in August, Patterson assisted on the opening goal by Kat Rader and created two chances to go along with two shots. Defensively, she pitched in nine defensive contributions to help the Dash post a clean sheet in a dominant victory.
Looking forward
Patterson is under contract through 2028 and at just 24 years old, you could argue she is the building block for the Houston Dash moving forward.
But…
Could she move on to greener pastures? Will a big European team come calling for Patterson after the World Cup? As one of the best fullbacks in the NWSL, you have to think big clubs in England and elsewhere would be interested in signing Patterson. We’ll have to wait and see.
