Boston Legacy FC Fall 2-1 to the Houston Dash at Home
PAWTUCKET, RI - Boston Legacy FC hosted the Houston Dash and fell 2-1 in their final game on the season in Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon. The Legacy were unable to pick up any points after coming off of two back-to-back road wins.
The first half was relentless from the Legacy's side, kicking things off fast on the rainy New England day. Through the first half, the Legacy dominated possession and tested the Dash's defense. The Legacy forced multiple saves from Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and had two corner kick opportunities in the first half.
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Aïssata Traoré of the Legacy picked up the lone yellow card of the match in the 24th minute after making a tough tackle on Danielle Colaprico while fighting for possession. Though there was only one booking, the game proved to be a physical one. In the first half, the Legacy had committed four fouls while the Dash committed eight.
The Houston Dash scored the first goal of the game in the 44th minute. The goal was scored off a corner kick that the Legacy was unable to clear away. Chaos grew inside the box as the ball bounced around. Colaprico, a midfielder for the Dash, was able to settle the ball at her feet and take a clear shot at the net. This was Colaprico's first goal in the 2026 regular season.
The score at the half was 1-0 in favor of the visiting Houston Dash. Dean College junior James Smith attended the match and embraced the positive atmosphere even while down a goal. "There was constant cheering, and it felt like one big family," Smith said, "I always have fun."
At halftime, the Legacy recognized Fauzia Najjemba as their Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominee. Najjemba, a forward for the Legacy, is currently on the Season Ending Injury List. Though unable to compete in game day competition, Najjemba is active through her community impact. She partnered with Soccer Without Borders Massachusetts, an organization that provides soccer opportunities to newcomers and immigrant youth.
The winner of the award will be announced during NWSL championship weekend in November, with the sponsoring Nationwide making a $50,000 donation to the winner's organization. Najjemba was joined on the field during this recognition by members of Soccer Without Borders Massachusetts.
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The second half of the game kicked off with the same intensity from the first half; both teams made attacking chances and put their defense to work. The Legacy had three shot attempts in the opening 10 minutes of the game and maintained most of the possession.
The hard work put in by the Legacy was answered in the 59th minute when the ball finally found the back of the net for the home team. It began with a run up the left flank by defender Nicki Hernandez, who crossed the ball in from outside of the box. The ball made contact with the foot of forward Traoré and went into the net for a textbook goal. This was her 10th of the season.
"I'm just so proud of my teammates," Traoré commented. "I know I can count on them. We are a team, we are a good family."
The game played out evenly following the goal, with both teams having good chances and possessing the ball well. Both teams were put to work; the Legacy forced three more corners in the second half, while the Dash took almost 10 shots.
The final goal of the game was scored in the 85th minute by the Dash. It began with a great passing sequence outside the box. Dash forward Khyah Harper crossed the ball high into the box which connected with the head of forward Messiah Bright. The initial header was pushed out by Legacy keeper Casey Murphy but landed right back at Bright, who was able to tap the ball into the back of the net to put the Dash up 2-1.
The Legacy did not back down in the final minutes of the match, making attacking substitutions and having more shots on goal. Unfortunately, the team was unable to convert and ended the game in a 2-1 loss at home.
"I'm just frustrated about the result," Traoré noted in the post-game conference. "We're gonna keep going. I trust in the team."
"I'm happy with the performance of this team," Head Coach Filipa Patão commented on the game. "The first half was entirely Boston Legacy. [This team] doesn't lose intensity, they don't lose their believing."
This match took place in Centreville Bank Stadium, which was recently named the home venue of the Legacy for the 2027 season while they wait for White Stadium in Boston to finish construction. James Smith commented on the venue, "It's always packed, that's exactly what this team needs; a big tight knot crowd."
The Legacy's next game will take place out west against the Seattle Reign on Friday, Sept. 25th at 8:30PM. The Legacy's next home game will take place on Friday, October 16th at Gillette Stadium and will mark the last home game of the season, as well as the final game at Gillette Stadium.
