Dash smash Pride

On Friday, June 2, the Houston Dash took on the Orlando Pride at PNC Stadium. The Dash came into this match riding a lengthy unbeaten streak, looking to stay near the top of the table in the National Women’s Soccer League. Everything went the way of Houston on the night as the team romped to a 5-0 victory.

Nichelle Prince got the party started in the 28th minute. Captain Rachel Daly played Prince through on goal and after beating Pride keeper Erin McLeod, Prince’s shot was deflected into the net by former Dash defender Megan Montefusco.

Daly would continue the scoring with a goal in the 32nd minute off a fantastic feed from Maria Sanchez. The Mexican international whipped a ball in from long range on the left to a sprinting Daly. The Englishwoman got her head on the ball perfectly to get her shot on frame and over a helpless McLeod to give Houston a 2-0 lead.

Prince would take over the game from there to leave no doubt about the result. Her second goal, and the Dash’s third, came just before halftime. She darted down the left side, cut back in on her right foot and again sent a shot that Montefusco could only help into her own net.

The Canadian international finished off her hat trick, the first in club history in the 49th minute. Sanchez and Shea Groom worked the ball once again down the left side. Groom took a heavy challenge on the end line but was able to find Prince. The heroine of the evening chipped McLeod with a perfectly weighted effort to make the score line 4-0.

Michelle Aloize would end the party with a goal in the 87th minute, the first of her NWSL career. The Nigerian international was in on goal moments before and missed the net, but she made no doubt this time of asking. Groom played Alozie through from her own half and she was able to hold off the defender and then calmly slot her shot past McLeod to make the final score 5-0.

Nichelle Prince spoke after the match about just how big the win was for the team. “It’s huge,” Prince told the media in the postgame press conference. “We are going into every game fighting for a win and not taking anything for granted or letting teams get into the game. I think we know that we are a really good team when we are playing our best and fighting for each other and when we are following the game plan. When we don’t do that then the game can be different - we are trying to be consistent and bring our game every week.”

Captain Rachel Daly was extremely proud of her teammate and her performance. “Yeah, she needs her name in lights tonight,” Daly said after the match. “She was absolutely brilliant. I’ve said before she’s so underrated and she’s such a phenomenal player. She works so hard and she’s a true professional — everyday she comes in she grinds. She works her ass off, sorry excuse my French, but she is an angel on and off the field and she was absolutely fantastic tonight. I couldn’t be more proud and happy for her.”

With the win, Houston now sits tied for second place with the Chicago Red Stars, two points behind first place San Diego Wave FC. The top six teams make the playoffs. The Dash are back in action tomorrow night, looking to go top of the table if they can beat newcomers Angel City FC. The match kicks off at 9:00 PM central time and can be watched on Paramount+.

The top six teams make the playoffs.

 

Dash pick up a point in draw with North Carolina Courage

The Houston Dash returned to PNC Stadium on Sunday night to face the reigning NWSL Challenge Cup Champion. North Carolina Courage. The Dash returned home for the first time since going 2-0-1 on a three-game road trip. The 7-point road trip looked to give Houston some momentum as they returned to the Bayou City against a formidable opponent.

The Dash went behind early when a mix-up in the back allowed the visitors to pounce. Rookie Diana Ordonez put the Courage in front in the 25th minute.

Houston had several chances to score in the first half and North Carolina looked to be on the verge of taking their lead to the locker room. Dash captain Rachel Daly, in her 100th NWSL appearance had other plans. Daly got on the end of a nicely weighted pass from Nichelle Prince and was able to push the ball past Courage keeper Casey Murphy. Daly kept her composure and smashed her shot through the retreating defenders to equalize in first half stoppage time.

Daly spoke about her goal after the match with the media. “Nichelle (Prince) and I have played together for a really long time now, Daly said. “I think there was a great pickup by, I’m pretty sure, it was Sophie (Schmidt) in the midfield. Yeah, we’ve got good chemistry now, me and Nichelle, and the thing you know, we’ve been working on a lot during the week — the last few weeks. Obviously, she assisted me quite similarly in Portland last week. I think we’re kind of getting on the same page now. We’ve played together for a long time now. So, it was a great, great ball from her. The keeper is a great keeper, she’s big. She’s obviously, she covers the goal really well. She’s tall, very tall. And I thought, you know, maybe I would have dinked over in another game. But I know how tall she is. She got a great hand to my volley, right before that. So, I thought the only option was to go around her. And then yeah, I think on the finish, I just needed to hit it high.”

Both teams came out firing in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. North Carolina finished the match with a 60/40 possession advantage but the Dash had 15 shots to the Courage’s 5. The match would end in a 1-1 draw with both teams picking up a point.

Acting head coach Sarah Lowdon spoke about the performance after the match. “I’m very proud of how the club honored the victims of Uvalde, and we will continue to help support that community moving forward, Lowdon said to the media in her press conference. “So that’s the first thing I’d like to say. We don’t take any points for granted in this league. There’s so much parity whether you’re 4-0 or 0-4. We value wins at home, I thought the first half we struggled, we give the ball away way too much, especially in central areas, lots of turnovers. Second half, we were better. Again, we’re better than the first half. In the first like 10 minutes, we had chances, I thought that we on another day put away. It’s those chances that kind of haunt us later in the game. We have obviously had a couple of games where we’ve conceded late goals. Overall, obviously, to come up with a point at home, obviously, we want to get three points. We have to make sure we pick up points and we will take a point as well. When we’re at home, we’re always looking for those three points.”

Houston returns to PNC Stadium on Friday night to face the Orlando Pride. The Dash will host a pregame ceremony before the match to commemorate Daly’s 100 appearances.

Yellow Rose Coach competes in Ironman Texas

It’s called the world’s most difficult athletic event: the Ironman Triathlon. The course consists of a 2.1 mile swim, a 140 mile bike ride, and a marathon. Those who finish the event in the allotted time are called Ironman. 

I spoke to one of the coaches at Yellow Rose Fitness and got her take on the event after completing five previous Ironman Texas events. 

She said the swim is by far the hardest leg and the most difficult to train for since she doesn’t have easy access to a lake or lap pool. She has come a LONG way since her first event, but still feels there is a lot of room for improvement. She knows a lot of fast swimmers that she compares herself to. She has no problem swimming long distances, but is not as fast as she wants to be. 

Her charity of choice is the IRONMAN Foundation. The charity raises funds for IRONMAN events around the world to directly support the communities hosting events. Nonprofits in the communities that align with the IMF’s vision can apply for grants from the available funds raised. Most of the grant money goes toward facilitating aid stations and volunteer activities to make an event successful  

One of the organizations near and dead to the coach’s heart that has received funds is a non-profit for athletes with disabilities. “I have volunteered in the past by guiding blind athletes and those with amputations in local races. They provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for amputee athletes to get running legs/blades, blind athletes to get bus passes to get to Memorial Park to train, race entries, running gear, tandem bikes, and the list goes on. At the end of the day, it’s a community of athletes supporting like-minded efforts in the community,” she said in an email interview.

“The swim presents many challenges, but it also is a production because I have to work with the available lap swim times at the pools available and/or a Masters swim schedule that also can be quite a drive in Houston traffic. My skin and hair also are not fans of the chlorine, so I have to shower after or I end up super itchy. One day I’ll be able to wake up and go for an open water swim in my backyard. It might not be until I retire, but mark my word, it will happen,” she said. 

“Crossing the finish line is always special, but each is also slightly different.  I’ve also developed a routine of cartwheeling across the finish line (after I stop my Garmin of course). On April 23, it was even more special because my husband volunteered and was able to give me the medal for the first time and that came with a giant hug for beating my previous record.” She doesn’t think there were any tears this time. “I’m pretty emotional and I’ve shed my fair share of happy (and sad) tears across finish lines over the years. I was happy with my finish, but not ecstatic, if that makes sense. Once you’ve done a few of these, you’re either out there to tally up the finishes for some personal goal or you’re out there to crush your previous performances at the distance, and I set some pretty high goals for myself. I was able to walk away with a PR, and I’m not mad about that.” 

Having shaved three minutes off the run from her previous record on a pretty hot and windy day was no easy task. “I’m happy with that, but hungry for more. I’m also more thrilled to finally land in the top 10 in my age group in a full IRONMAN out of 75 starters. I was 27th out of the water and came in 8th off the bike with a bike split in the top 5. I held on to 8th for most of the marathon, but finished in 9th. The bike is clearly my strong suit and also where I feel I can make the most gains, but I also know I’m capable of a faster run. Getting faster on the swim can save me a few minutes, but it all adds up.”

Will she set a new record, or will this year's record stand? Only next year's event will tell.

Dash fall to Chicago Red Stars in Challenge Cup Opener

The Houston Dash faced the Chicago Red Stars in the first game of the 2022 Challenge Cup for both teams.

Katie Naughton and the Dash would strike first in the 19th minute off a free kick after Chicago’s Bianca St. Georges was issued a yellow card in the 18th minute.

The Red Stars would tie the match in the 27th minute with a goal by Mal Pugh.

That would be the halftime score.

The second half turned out to work in Chicago’s favor when Arin Wright converted a controversial penalty kick in the 57th minute. Two minutes later, Mal Pugh would put another one in to make it 3-1 Chicago.

That would be the final score.

The Dash take on the Kansas City Current on March 30 at 7:30 pm. That match will be at PNC Stadium. Tickets are available through the SeatGeek app.

METRORapid Inner Katy Project

 As part of the METRONext plan that was approved by voters, another METRORapid project will run along the Inner Katy Corridor from Northwest Transit Center to the downtown Central Business District and terminating near the Convention District with a possible termination near the EaDo/Stadium Light Rail Station.

On January 31, METRO representatives held a virtual public hearing to give an update on the project and receive public input.

The main reason for the project is the growing congestion along IH-10 between Downtown and Northwest Transit Center. There is currently no dedicated bus lane between Northwest Transit Center and Studemont. This forces buses to use the busy main lanes to get into Downtown, which only adds to travel time. METRORapid’s Inner Katy project would add a faster connection to the Downtown area. METRORapid, Park and Ride routes, and Express Routes would all benefit from this. A dedicated elevated platform would be strictly for bus use. This has a lot of support and could add more stations to the METRORapid line.

Right now, the proposed stations are at Memorial Park, Yale, TC Jester, and Houston, with Shepherd/Durham and Studemont having been set already. Memorial Park is a busy area and could be a good spot for a station. The problem with Yale and TC Jester is the proximity to the Shepherd/Durham and Studemont stations. This could draw riders away and decrease ridership. The problem with the Houston station is that there is too much congestion and no good place to put a station. METRO is planning on going with stations at Northwest Transit Center, Memorial Park, Shepherd/Durham, and Studemont and then making the route head into Downtown.

When asked why stations before Downtown will not be at street level, METRO said that it is a safety hazard.

Once the bus gets into Downtown, the plan is to use the existing Light Rail Lane for the bus. Current stations in Downtown are the Theater District, Central Station, and Convention District, with Franklin/Bagby and EaDo stations being proposed.

With a growing city and the need to plan for the future, METRO needs to expand instead of using current infrastructure for new projects. With Bus Rapid Transit, there is no need to lay rail.

The light rail and METRORapid will have separate signals in Downtown. Hours of operation are planned to start at 4:30 am and end at midnight every day.

If you are wondering when the project gets underway, construction is slated to start in 2024 with service commencing in 2027.

You can find out more by visiting www.ridemetro.org/Pages/METRORapid-Inner-Katy.aspx

METRORapid to start University Corridor project

With the initial success of the METRORapid Silver Line between Northwest Transit Center and Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center along Post Oak Boulevard, METRORapid is expected to break ground on the University Corridor Project, running from Westchase Park and Ride to Tidwell Transit Center. The project is divided into five segments.

Segment 1 runs from Westchase Park and Ride to Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center. This segment connects the busy Westchase District to Lower Uptown while also servicing Gessner and Hillcroft Park and Ride Lots. At Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center, riders can transfer to Westwood/West Bellfort/TMC Park and Ride, METRORapid Silver Line, and the Canal/Memorial local bus route.

Segment 2 connects Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center to Wheeler Transit Center near Richmond Avenue and US 59 Southwest Freeway, while also servicing the busy Greenway Plaza area and the University of St. Thomas. At Wheeler Transit Center, riders can transfer to METRORail Red Line as well as local bus routes.

Segment 3 connects Wheeler Transit Center to Eastwood Transit Center near Elgin and Interstate Highway 45 Gulf Freeway while also servicing Houston Community College Main Campus, Third Ward, University of Houston, and Texas Southern University where riders can transfer to the METRORail Purple Line. At Eastwood Transit Center, riders can transfer to Park and Ride routes servicing the Gulf Freeway Corridor as well as local bus routes.

Segment 4 connects Eastwood Transit Center to Denver Harbor/Fifth Ward Transit Center near the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel while also servicing the Second Ward area. Riders can transfer to the METRORail Green Line along Harrisburg. At Denver Harbor/Fifth Ward Transit Center, riders can transfer to local bus routes.

Segment 5 connects the Denver Harbor/Fifth Ward Transit Center to LBJ Hospital and Tidwell Transit Center while also servicing the Kashmere Gardens area. At Tidwell Transit Center, riders can transfer to local bus routes after ending their trip on the METRORapid University Corridor line.

Running more than 25 miles, in a dedicated lane, the University Corridor line is expected to help ease congestion in some of Houston’s busiest areas. This will help build stronger communities and bring about better access to mass transit in the region.

Better access starts with moving more people and taking more cars off the road. It also will invest in communities serviced by providing top of the line service and bringing more connectivity to other METRO services. 

Along the route, riders can transfer to METRORail Red, Green, and Purple Lines, METRORapid Silver Line, 5 transit centers, 3 Park and Ride lots, and multiple local bus routes.

Stronger communities start with serving projected dense population growth along the route. It also will advance transportation equity with additional choices for the area and support a sustainable, healthy future for the region. Communities expected to benefit include Gulfton, Uptown, Greenway Plaza, Montrose, Midtown, Third Ward, Eastwood, Second Ward, Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, and Eastex/Jensen. Colleges and universities expected to benefit include Houston Community College System, University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University, and University of Houston.

Starting in late 2021, Project Development is expected to commence and end sometime in early 2023. This will be followed by the engineering phase, which is expected to end in early 2025. Shortly after that, construction will start until service commences sometime in 2028.

You can get all the details and attend virtual open houses by visting metrorapid-ucp.com 

Redistricting and low morale could be trouble for Democrats

A growing sense of gloom is developing among Democrats in Congress with less than a year before the 2022 midterm elections. With every Democrat that announces they’re not seeking reelection, the mood worsens.

Morale in Congress is already low among Democrats. As they look ahead to 2022 and what could be a trying election cycle, the belief is that the retirement wave has yet to crash.

23 members of the House Democratic Caucus have already announced they will not seek reelection in 2022. While high profile retirements by the party in power are not uncommon before a difficult midterm election cycle, the sentiment now is that more departures are coming. A combination of political winds tilting to the Republicans that has carved up what were once easy races for Democrats and low morale among House members could spell disaster before the 2022 elections.

“We have a problem here,” Representative Cherri Bustos said. “There are way too many people serving as members of Congress that I not only don’t look up to, but also have no respect for. I hate to even have to say that.”

First elected in 2012, and representing Western Illinois, Bustos announced earlier this year that she was retiring. “I’m looking for a new chapter in my life,” she told CNN. It’s clear though the current standing of Congress loomed over the decision. “While there are some Democrats who aren’t team players, the bulk of them are Republicans who refuse to raise the deficit in order to help put people back to work. At the same time, they ballooned the deficit when they passed former President Trump’s tax cuts.”

“When you only have a three-or-four-vote majority and you see people in tough districts announcing they will not seek another term, everybody worries about what’s ahead,” Bustos stated.

Republicans have also seen some powerful members announce they will not seek reelection. Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, announced he will retire and become CEO of the Trump Media and Technology Group.

Retirements are a problem for Democrats, as the party in power, simply cannot afford. With a very slim majority in the House and polls showing a potential Republican swing, any slight change can prove disastrous.

What’s even more worrisome is retirements are stacking up. Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon, and chair of the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee, announced he will not seek reelection. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, and chair of the House Space, Science, and Technology Committee, announced she will not run for reelection as well. Kentucky Representative John Yarmouth, who chairs the House Budget Committee, also will not seek reelection.

It’s not just committee chairs that worry Democrats. It’s also districts that will be difficult to keep in 2022. Wisconsin Representative Ron Kind, who represents a district that voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, announced he will not seek reelection. Republicans are confident they can flip the seat in 2022. Arizona Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, who represents the state’s Second District, announced she will retire as well. Before her 2018 victory, the district was held by a Republican. New York Representative Tom Suozzi announced his intent to run for governor and will vacate his Long Island District. The seat could become competitive if Democrats face a difficult cycle.

All of the retirements have been hailed by Republicans. “Every retirement demoralizes Democrats further and forces them to spend more on defending competitive seats,” Michael McAdams, who is a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said. “No one wants to run as a Democrat this cycle.”

So far though, Democratic leaders – at least publicly – are rejecting the idea Democrats have a retirement problem.

“It’s pretty standard stuff. Anybody who serves in this Congress knows these are personal decisions. I’m not that worried about it. I think Republicans are going to have at least one good idea for America. They can’t do it with tricks and stacking the deck,” Senator Patrick Maloney, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told CNN’s Manu Raju.

There is a sense inside the caucus that things are not what Maloney and others want the public to believe.

Representative Filemòn Vela, a Texas Democrat who announced earlier this year he will not seek reelection, believes Democrats will do fine if they can get control of inflation and COVID by the summer. “I won’t say we keep the majority because it is such a tough cycle. If by November, we are still in the middle of the COVID crisis and inflation is sky high, we have a problem.”

Vela also added that if those issues continue to pester Democrats, you have the same problem you did in 2010 when Democrats lost 63 seats and control of the House. “It’s a valid concern. If we had been in the middle of midterms earlier this year, I think seats like mine would have been lost. I don’t think that will happen next year.”