From Houston with Love

On February 12, Houston’s Guadalupe Plaza in the Second Ward hosted an immigration rally to protest Donald Trump’s current immigration agenda. This followed earlier protests held around the city.

Telemundo, KHOU, KPRC, and WB were there as well as many protestors and guests.

The event started off with a dance performance by La Micha Nation. This group uses dances and movement to protest injustice. Trae Tha Truth was also in attendance that night.

I spoke to some of those in attendance and was amazed by what they had to say.

One protestor, who asked to remain anonymous, questioned whether I was affiliated with any law enforcement agency. After I assured her that I was an independent journalist, she agreed to let me conduct an interview.

She told me she was originally from Mexico but had been a citizen for about 10 years. After hearing that, I knew why she was fearful of me at first and wanted to make sure I wasn’t affiliated with any law enforcement agency.

She told me she was there to support the immigrants and help the local community. “All are immigrants here and we need to keep families together,” she told me.

Another protestor’s story left me not only infuriated, but in absolute shock. She and her sister were camping in Big Bend National Park in El Paso one night, when their vehicle was stopped for no apparent reason. She told me the Border Patrol agents on duty profiled and then proceeded to detain her sister. The agents’ reason? The sisters are Hispanic and were suspected of being part of one of the Mexican cartels.

The protestor told me she was left infuriated by the way the Border Patrol agents treated them. She wants to stand up to Donald Trump’s bigotry and inhumane politics, while representing her true country. In the Texas Legislature’s 88th Special Session, she stood in defense of a bill that was being considered.

Frida Dame closed out the event by telling her own story. As a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program at 10 years old, she had no security for her younger sister. “Immigrants are here. They are the backbone of America,” she told the crowd. “America was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of immigrants.” She said this was going to be a long fight, but giving up wasn’t an option because knowledge and unity are power.

We need to support the immigrants here and let them know they are welcome. It’s going to take people like you to stand up to Donald Trump’s hardline and inhumane immigration policies.

Talk to your state representatives and senators. Talk to your representative in Washington, as well as senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Tell them you will not stand for the inhumane treatments of immigrants and to oppose legislation that gives law enforcement permission to round up people at any time and in any place.

The Hidden Dangers of Toddler Swim Equipment

We’ve all seen how the movies portray drowning-the splashing and noise, but this is far from reality. There are no splashes or noises and the water is calm.

Every year, too many toddlers drown in water related accidents. One person never thought it would happen to their then two-year-old son. As an ambassador for the Judah Brown Project, she works to make sure no family in Louisiana endures the pain of losing their toddler.

When asked how she got involved, she said after losing her two-year-old son to a drowning accident, she was told about the Judah Brown Project from a friend and loved what they did for families to spread awareness for drowning and became a part of this organization and helping to spread awareness in the state of Louisiana.

When asked what she wished she knew about drowning, it was that puddle jumpers, which are a combination of a life jacket, swim aid and swim vest, give children a false sense of security in water. A child slips their arms through the arm floats of the puddle jumper, and then the device is buckled behind the back to secure it.

What are some things new parents should know before signing up for swim lessons? Understanding that swim lessons are only a part of water safety and there are other layers of protection to be used to keep your child safe near any body of water. These include barriers & alarms to prevent a child from entering a body of water unsupervised as well as supervision. 

“Caregivers should always designate one person who is responsible for supervising children in, on or around water. That person should never take their eyes off the child, not even for a second,” says the website for Judah Brown Project.

Water Competency. Step or jump into the water over your head and try to return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute.

Life Jackets-when near, on or in the water, but especially when wading, swimming, fishing, boating or during any other water-related activity. You may not have time to put on your life jacket if you encounter a water hazard, slip while fishing or fall out of your vessel.

Emergency Preparation- Knowing how to do CPR is critical to restoring air movement after a drowning incident.

Never Swim Alone: The first and most important rule for water safety is to always use the buddy system. If swimming with small children, ensure they are always within arm's reach. 

One piece of equipment she wants to see gone is the notorious puddle jumper. The child wears this routinely while swimming confidently and returns to the water without it.

“Puddle Jumpers and floaties are notorious for helping children develop ineffective swimming posture. They are subconsciously training children to be in an upright and vertical position in the water- head up, feet down, arms out. This only expedites a drowning since the child struggles to stay afloat,” says the website for Judah Brown Project.

“Not one more” is not just a slogan for the Judah Brown Project, but their mission to educate new parents on the dangers of swim equipment and drowning.

If you want more information, or wish to donate, visit www.judahbrownproject.org.

Dash unable to beat Louisville

 On August 12, the Houston Dash took on Racing Louisville FC as part of Dynamo Charities weekend. 

Despite putting pressure on Louisville throughout the game, Houston was forced to walk away with a scoreless draw. 

During the third minute, the stadium said thank you to Dash legend Rachel Daly. 

Houston’s first chance at scoring would come in the fourth minute. Another chance would follow in the fifth, followed by a third opportunity in the eighth minute. 

Louisville’s first chance would be in the 10th minute. Three minutes later, a corner kick almost found its way to the net. 

Houston would have another chance to go up 1-0 in the 17th minute, but again came up short. 

Louisville would have a chance in the 22nd minute to break the scoreless draw, but came up empty. 

Houston’s best chance in the first half came in the 31st minute when Louisville bobbled the ball in front of the goal. Despite a clear shot, the ball went wide. 

Louisville would see the first disciplinary action in the 33rd minute when Satara Murray was called for a yellow card after tripping a Dash player in control of the ball. Murray would get her second yellow of the match for the same thing in the 44th minute and got ejected for accumulating two yellow cards in the match. 

In the 41st minute, Maria Sanchez had a good chance to score, but just missed. Houston had one more chance in the 44th minute to go up, but came up short. 

The second half saw Houston come out firing on all cylinders as they continued to pressure Louisville. 

Between the 53rd and 56th minute, Houston had four good chances to score. Unfortunately, three of those shots went right to the goalkeeper. 

Louisville’s Gemma Banter would see the third yellow card of the match in the 60th minute after a bad foul was called. 

From there, Houston continued the pressure, but came up short. 

The Dash play Wednesday against Gotham FC and hope to continue their playoff push. 

Dynamo 2 pound Sporting Kansas City 2 to win season series

On August 7, the Houston Dynamo 2 took on Sporting Kansas City 2 in the third and final regular season matchup between the teams. 

Houston pressured Sporting KC 2 from the start and walked away with a convincing 3-0 victory. Even with the win, Houston still sits in third place in the Western Conference standings with 39 points. 

Houston’s first big chance at a goal would come in the 20th minute. Between the 21st and 37th minutes, Houston would get five good chances, but couldn’t find the goal. Two more first half chances would come before Marcelo Palomino would find the back of the net in stoppage time to put Houston up 1-0. 

Kansas City would get their first good chance in the 42nd minute when a nice setup turned into a denial in the penalty box. Kansas City would try again only to be denied at the goal. 

Discipline would play a role as both teams received their share of yellow cards. 

Kansas City 2 would get the first yellow in the 21st minute. Juan Castilla would get Houston’s first yellow card in the 33rd minute. Beto Avila would get a controversial yellow for “kicking the ball” in the 40th minute. I asked him after the game and he told me that the ball was never kicked. Kansas City 2’s Jacob Davis would get called for a yellow in the 41st minute. The final yellow would be in first half stoppage time when Kansas City 2’s #44 would get one. 

The second half would pretty much be a repeat of the first half as Houston continued pressuring Kansas City 2. 

The first chance for either team to score would be when Kansas City 2 would be denied a goal in the 47th minute. 

Houston then would find the back of the net in the 48th minute when Brooklyn Raines sent the ball past the keeper to put Houston up 2-0. Three more chances for Houston to score would come between the 59th and 63rd minute. 

Kansas City 2 would get a chance to cut the deficit in half on a free kick, only to send it right to the keeper. 

Houston’s third and final goal would be in the 77th minute when Kyle Edwards sent one past the keeper and made it 3-0. That would be the final score. 

The Dynamo control their playoff fate now. With the top four advancing, every point matters now. 

The next game is August 14 against the Colorado Rapids 2. Kickoff is set for 8 pm. 

Dash beat Red Stars

Coming off a loss to Orlando, the Houston Dash returned to the win column in Juan Carlos Amorós’ first game in charge, beating the Chicago Red Stars by a score of 4-1 Saturday night at PNC Stadium. The Red Stars came into the match on a nine-game unbeaten streak but Ebony Salmon stole the show to end their run and give Houston a big three points.

Salmon put the Dash in front after just eleven minutes, pressing the Chicago back line into a turnover. The English striker pressured Chicago defender Zoe Morse all the way back to her goal which pressured goalkeeper Emily Boyd into a bad pass. Boyd’s pass was intercepted by Shea Groom who squared the ball back into the middle to Salmon, whose shot deflected off Amanda Kowalski and into the back of the net.

The goal was Salmon’s first for the Dash after being acquired in a trade at the end of June. It certainly wouldn’t be her last, as Salmon gave the Red Stars’ defense fits the whole match. She nearly doubled her tally on the night after a brilliant solo run, but Boyd came out and made a huge save to keep the match 1-0.

Goalkeeper Lindsey Harris made three saves in the first half including a huge one to deny Ella Stevens in a one-on-one situation. Harris started the match in place of Jane Campbell who was ruled out of the match due to COVID protocols.

Salmon doubled her goal haul and the Dash lead in second half stoppage time. Defender Natalie Jacobs sent a long ball down the right sideline and Salmon outraced everyone to get on the end of it. She wasted no time when she got to the ball, smashing her first touch past Chicago goalkeeper Emily Boyd.

Houston came out in the second half still flying and Salmon bagged her hat-trick in the 55th minute. A Chicago corner was cleared and the Red Stars were left out-numbered on the counter. Ryan Gareis flew forward and picked out Salmon with a through ball to unlock the back line. Salmon calmly smashed the ball low and hard past Boyd to score the second hat-trick in Houston Dash history. Nichelle Prince got the first earlier this season, scoring three against the Orlando Pride. 

The Dash played extremely well in a match they came into with so many things against them. Campbell and defender Julia Ashley were ruled out due to COVID protocols to add to the six players already out for Houston on international duty. It was also Amorós’ first match in charge after just arriving in town this week to lead trainings. Players like Harris, Gareis, and Jacobs stepped up and had huge performances in a match where team needed them in a big way. 19 year-old Paulina Gramaglia made her Dash debut in the second half of the match, becoming the youngest player to appear in a match for Houston.

Sam Fisher grabbed a goal in the 88th minute to ruin the shutout for the Dash and Harris. The rookie scored her first NWSL goal as she was able to get alone in front of Harris and put Chicago on the board. The disappointment of losing the shutout was short-lived as Joelle Anderson ended the big night for Houston, opening her NWSL account with a goal in stoppage time. Anderson’s shot from the top of the box was on goal and Boyd’s attempt at a save was bundled into the net.

Next up for the Dash will be a trip to the Big Apple to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on July 31. Houston’s Canadian contingent of Nichelle Prince, Sophie Schmidt, and Allysha Chapman should be available for that game after they wrap up CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying on Monday against the United States.

KC Current knock off Houston Dash 2-1

The Houston Dash returned from the international break to take on the Kansas City Current at PNC Stadium. With a number of starters still out on international duty, Houston struggled to get going and fell by a final score of 2-1.

The game got off to a good start with both teams finding their feet after some extended time off. Neither team able to find the back of the net, with a few chances on both ends. Ebony Salmon was able to break behind the defense a couple of times but could not finish. The score remained 0-0 until the 42nd minute. 

A corner kick for Kansas City would end up being recycled in to the box. The cross was sent back in and Shea Groom got in front of the ball to block it. The referee pointed to the spot for a hand ball on Groom, resulting in a penalty kick for the Current. Lo’eau LaBonta would find the back of the net, beating Jane Campbell down the middle, to make it 1-0 at the half.

After the match, acting head coach Sarah Lowdon spoke aboout the team’s mentality after the penalty and going in to the half down a goal. “Yeah, I mean I think you know listen at halftime we were in this game like I thought we had some really good spells of possession,” Lowdon said. “I thought we created some really good opportunities we just didn’t have that finish and I think that’s kind of been the story in the other games too. The penalty, we are still in that game. It happens right before halftime it felt like we actually played them at their place and we got a penalty right before halftime so it changes obviously a little bit at halftime in terms of kind of the message but again the second goal kills us. It’s just, it’s tough to concede right after the second half and yeah, again I think we definitely created more opportunities in the second half and just unfortunate that we couldn’t get something out of this game tonight.”

The Dash needed to rebound in the second half but the deficit was doubled in the first minute after the break. A goal in the 46th minute by Hailie Mace would make it 2-0 to the Current and give Houston an uphill battle. 

Houston fought until the end. Ryan Gareis’ cross deep into stoppage time was defelcted in for an own goal by Elizabeth Ball to make it 2-1 Kansas City. The final whistle would blow not long after and that would be the final score.

Ebony Salmon had some good chances in her debut, after being acquired in a trade with Racing Louisville earlier this week, but she was unable to find the back of the net. “For me it is always good that I am getting the most goal scoring opportunities,” Salmon said after the match. But I have to make sure that I am taking chances and clinically in front of the goal.”

The Dash travel to Orlando to face the Orlando Pride for their next match on Friday, July 8. That game will stream on Twitch. The next home match is Saturday, July 16 against the Chicago Red Stars. 

Dash routed by Thorns to end unbeaten run

On June 12, the Portland Thorns came to town to take on the Houston Dash for the annual Pride Night match at PNC Stadium. From the opening minute, nothing went in Houston’s favor as the Thorns walked away with a 4-0 victory.

Portland went ahead in the first minute of the match. Katie Naughton got her leg on a cross into the Houston box but could only redirect it past Jane Campbell and in her own net. This turned out to be an omen for how the whole match would go.

Abby Smith doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. Portland would take their lead in to halftime, looking comfortable on a very hot Houston evening.

The Thorns would add another goal in the 75th minute when 16-year-old Olivia Moultrie became the youngest player in NWSL history to find the back of the net. Moultrie got the start after Christine Sinclair was a late scratch from the lineup. The teenager made the most of her opportunity with a goal and an assist.

Moultrie’s assist came on Portland’s fourth and final goal of the evening, Sophia Smith’s second of the contest. Smith was able to score off a scramble in the box, just sneaking her shot over the line. The USWNT striker is in fine form, taking home player of the match honors with her brace and an assist on Moultrie’s assist.

The result was very disappointing for a team that has been in such great form and on a long unbeaten run. Midfielder Bri Visalli spoke after the match about the disappointment. “Initial reactions are just disappointing, we were on a great roll, this is not ideally how we want to come off it either,” Visalli said in the post-match press conference. “We don’t want to stop the streak that we are on, obviously, it is bound to happen at some point, but this definitely wasn’t our night. Quite frankly, very disappointing, a lot of people dug deep, we can reflect on that and figure that out moving forward.”

Acting head coach Sarah Lowdon was very straight forward with her thoughts on the performance after the match. “We can always be better, and tonight is a humbling experience and credit to Portland, tough days happen and it’s how you respond.” Lowdown also spoke about how this loss can be a humbling experience and how the team will respond. “It’s a humbling experience, but I know the character of this team and I’m confident that they will respond accordingly and positively,” Lowdon said. “That’s the main thing I think again like you know the season isn’t decided on one loss, so there is a long way to go, and we learn from this. You got to see a lot of players that potentially haven’t seen many minutes and it was a great opportunity for them tonight.”

Next up for the Dash is an away trip to take on the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, June 19. The next home match is July 1st against the Kansas City Current. That match is a 713 night so make sure you get out to PNC Stadium.