Houston Dash at Kansas City Current player ratings
(image via Houston Dash)
The Houston Dash fell 2-0 to the red-hot Kansas City Current Saturday night. Despite the scoreline, Houston looked sharper and more cohesive than in their previous match against Angel City. The team is still dealing with a shortened roster, missing key players Natalie Jacobs and Avery Patterson due to injury. But even shorthanded, they showed signs of resilience and improvement.
Starters
Jane Campbell – 6.5
Campbell had a busy evening, facing a relentless Kansas City attack. She made several strong saves, including a key one off Temwa Chawinga’s powerful strike. But she was left exposed on both goals — a composed penalty from Lo’eau LaBonta and a close-range header from Kayla Sharples. It wasn’t her best game, but she kept things from getting worse.
Maggie Graham – 7
Graham continues to impress. She played with grit and composure, covering ground and helping transition the ball out of danger. Her growing comfort in this system is becoming a real asset for Houston.
Katie Lind – 5.5
It was a tough outing for Lind. She conceded the penalty in the first half after a late challenge inside the box — a costly moment that put the Dash on the back foot early. She battled hard throughout, but struggled to contain Kansas City’s movement in and around the box.
Paige Nielsen – 7 (Player of the Match)
A bright spot in the backline, Nielsen read the game exceptionally well and made several crucial clearances. She showed leadership and calm under pressure, helping steady the team defensively during intense stretches.
Christen Westphal – 6
Westphal quietly put in a solid shift. She didn’t get forward much, focusing more on keeping shape and dealing with Kansas City’s pace out wide. It wasn’t flashy, but it was dependable.
Danielle Colaprico – 7
Colaprico was steady in the midfield and did well to distribute the ball under pressure. She’s one of those players who rarely panics and gives the Dash a calming presence in the center of the park.
Delanie Sheehan – 6.5
Sheehan had moments of creativity and hustle, though Kansas City’s press limited her influence in the attacking third. She worked hard, linking play when possible, but couldn’t quite find the final ball.
Ryan Gareis - 6.5
Gareis brought energy and urgency, especially in the first half. She was active on the wings and worked tirelessly to track back defensively. The final product wasn’t always there, but the effort certainly was.
Yazmeen Ryan – 7
Yazmeen was one of Houston’s most dangerous outlets. She tried to stretch the field and create space, delivering a few teasing crosses into the box. Her decision-making was sharp, and she’s showing signs of becoming a key piece for this team.
Barbara Olivieri – 6.5
Olivieri had some bright moments, especially when driving forward with the ball. She helped maintain possession and supported Bright well, even if the final chances never quite came together.
Messiah Bright – 6
Bright was isolated up front for much of the match but didn’t stop battling. She pressed hard and tried to force turnovers but had few chances in front of goal. It was a frustrating night, but her work rate was admirable.
Substitutes
Michelle Alozie - 6.5
Alozie’s impact was immediate. She brought speed and aggression to Houston’s attack, looking to exploit gaps as Kansas City tired. While it didn’t result in a goal, her injection of energy was exactly what the team needed at that point.
Diana Ordoñez and Sarah Puntigam – N/A
Both were late-game substitutions and didn’t have enough time to leave a real mark on the match. Still, it’s encouraging to see them available again as Houston works through injury challenges.
Head Coach
Fabrice Gautrat – 7
Gautrat deserves credit for how organized and motivated the team looked — especially after a rough outing last week. The Dash weren’t overwhelmed by the league leaders; they just got caught by a few clinical moments. His decision to bring on Alozie added a spark, and the team’s structure was noticeably more solid throughout.
