Dallas Trinity and Houston Dash Face Off in I-45 Texas Showdown

The historic rivalry between the two cities extends to women's soccer as the NWSL clubs meet in a preseason friendly at the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Dallas Trinity FC and Houston Dash of the NWSL will face off in the inaugural I-45 Texas Showdown on Saturday night at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. The match is a preseason friendly, but the long-standing rivalry between the two cities adds extra intensity to the proceedings. Dallas Trinity is looking to bounce back after dropping their first match in seven last weekend, while the Dash are wrapping up their preseason ahead of the NWSL regular season opener on March 14.

Why it matters

The Dallas-Houston rivalry runs deep, extending beyond just sports. This matchup on the women's soccer pitch at the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium is the latest chapter in the longstanding competition between the two cities. The personal connections between the coaching staff and players on both sides also add an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

The details

Dallas Trinity FC head coach Nathan Thackeray spent four years as a goalkeeper coach with the Houston Dynamo Academy, and his wife is from the Houston area. Three players on Trinity's roster - Amber Wisner, Chioma Ubogagu, and Gracie Brian - also have professional history with the Dash. This friendly provides an opportunity for Trinity to rotate their lineup and evaluate players outside the regular starting XI against quality NWSL opposition. The Dash, meanwhile, are focused on building rhythm and minutes ahead of their regular season opener.

  • The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT.
  • Trinity is coming off a 2-0 loss to Charlotte last Saturday, their first defeat in seven matches.
  • The Dash are wrapping up their preseason after drawing the Portland Thorns 1-1 last weekend.

The players

Nathan Thackeray

The head coach of Dallas Trinity FC, Thackeray spent four years as a goalkeeper coach with the Houston Dynamo Academy and his wife is from the Houston area.

Amber Wisner

The captain of Dallas Trinity FC, Wisner was a cornerstone of the Houston Dash backline for years, winning the club's 2017 MVP award and making her 100th NWSL career appearance in their colors.

Chioma Ubogagu

A player on the Dallas Trinity FC roster, Ubogagu played for the Houston Dash in 2016, earning NWSL Player of the Week honors after a goal and an assist in a win over Kansas City.

Gracie Brian

A Dallas Trinity FC player, Brian spent time on loan with the Houston Dash.

Yazmeen Ryan

The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner, Ryan leads the attacking talent that the Houston Dash are bringing to the I-45 Texas Showdown.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.