Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
TV/Streaming: NWSL+ (national/international), local radio on Sports Talk 790 (Houston) and Sports Talk 790AM (Louisville)
Weather Updates: Expect warm, humid evening conditions typical for early April in Houston. Daytime highs near 82°F (28°C) with evening game-time temperatures around 75-79°F (24-26°C), light south winds 10-15 mph, and humidity 60-75%. Scattered showers or thunderstorms possible (30-55% chance), especially early evening, but the dome-adjacent open-air stadium should see mostly playable conditions with no major disruptions forecast. Fans should prepare for muggy air and potential brief rain.
This early-season NWSL clash pits a Houston Dash side off to a strong start and playing at home against a winless Racing Louisville FC squad still searching for rhythm. Houston enters as favorites looking to build on their early momentum, while Racing aims to snap a three-game winless streak on the road.
Recent Team Forms (Last 3-4 Games)
Houston Dash: 2-1-0 overall (solid offensive output and clean sheets in wins). They opened with a 1-0 road shutout win over San Diego and followed with home success, showing balance and defensive solidity under new tactical emphasis.
Racing Louisville FC: 0-2-1 (averaging roughly 1.33 goals scored per game but conceding more). Recent results include a 2-1 loss at Seattle (Mar 28), a 2-2 draw vs. Washington Spirit (Mar 20), and a 2-1 loss to North Carolina Courage (Mar 14). They have shown fight but lack finishing and consistency.
Injury Report
Houston Dash
Out: Kate Faasse (ankle), Sophie Schmidt (knee – SEI), Christen Westphal (excused absence)
Questionable: None reported
Houston remains relatively deep despite key absences in defense and midfield.
Racing Louisville FC
Out: Savannah DeMelo (illness), Marisa DiGrande (maternity leave), Olivia Sekany (knee – SEI)
Questionable: Mirann Gacioch (lower body), Maja Lardner (lower body), Quincy McMahon (lower body), Makenna Morris (lower body), Emma Sears (upper body), Arin Wright (upper body)
Racing is significantly shorthanded, especially in attack and midfield depth, with multiple key contributors unavailable or limited.
Key Player Matchups
Makenzey Robbe / Kiki van Zanten (Houston forwards) vs. Racing backline (depleted without Sears/Wright): Houston’s attacking duo has been clinical early; they’ll look to exploit Racing’s injury-ravaged defense and questionable fitness. Robbe scored the season-opening winner.
Jane Campbell (Houston GK) vs. Racing attack (limited options): Campbell’s shot-stopping has been elite in shutouts; Racing’s depleted forward line (missing DeMelo) will struggle to test her.
Houston midfield (Malia Berkely / others) vs. Racing’s makeshift center (Gacioch/Lardner questionable): Houston controls the engine room and can dictate tempo against Racing’s thin rotation.
Racing veterans (e.g., potential Sears if available) vs. Houston’s organized defense: Any Racing threat relies on individual brilliance, but Houston’s home structure has limited opponents effectively.
Houston’s depth and health give them the advantage in most matchups.
Series History (All-Time / Recent)
Houston leads the all-time series 6-4-5 (15 meetings), with 15-13 goal edge. Recent encounters have been competitive with several draws:
Aug 29, 2025: Racing 1-1 Houston
May 2, 2025: Houston 1-2 Racing
Jun 7, 2024: Racing 2-0 Houston
Mar 23, 2024: Houston 0-0 Racing
Houston is 3-3-2 in last eight but performs well at Shell Energy Stadium. Racing has not won in Houston recently.
Betting Trends
Houston is undefeated at home early and has covered in recent favorable matchups.
Racing is 0-2-1 and has failed to win as road underdogs.
Total has gone Under in several early NWSL games involving these sides; draws common in H2H.
MATCH ODDS
Racing Louisville FC + 135
Houston Dash + 170
Draw + 225
Over 2.5 – 115 Under 2.5 – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 2, 2026
