Chicago Stars Host Houston Dash in NWSL Regular Season Matchup
Both struggling teams look to secure crucial points from the bottom half of the league standings.
The Chicago Stars are set to host the Houston Dash in a National Women's Soccer League regular season fixture on October 23, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Both clubs enter the match positioned in the bottom half of the league standings, carrying an urgent need for points as the season approaches its final stretch.
Chicago currently finds itself in 16th place in the NWSL table, enduring a difficult run of form under manager Martin Sjoegren. The Stars have dropped four of their last five league matches and have struggled defensively, conceding freely throughout that stretch. Their most recent outing resulted in a 1-3 defeat against Seattle Reign FC.
Prior to that loss, Chicago suffered consecutive 0-3 defeats to Denver Summit FC and the Washington Spirit, alongside a 1-1 draw with the Portland Thorns. Over their last five fixtures, the Stars have scored six goals while allowing eleven.
The visiting Houston Dash arrive in a similarly challenging position, sitting 13th in the league standings. Managed by Fabrice Gautrat, the team has managed only one victory in its last five matches.
Houston's lone bright spot during that period was a 2-1 road win over Boston Legacy FC. However, the Dash are coming off a 1-2 defeat to Orlando Pride, following a 2-3 loss to the Washington Spirit, a 0-1 defeat to the Utah Royals, and a 1-1 draw with the Portland Thorns, bringing their totals to five goals scored and eight conceded over the five-game stretch.
Historical context favors the visitors, as Houston secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chicago in their most recent meeting in August 2026. Across their last five head-to-head encounters, the Dash hold three wins compared to two for the Stars, though previous matchups include tight scorelines such as a 1-2 Houston win in March 2025 and a 1-0 Chicago victory in July 2024.
Neither team has reported confirmed injuries or suspensions ahead of the fixture, and official starting lineups have yet to be released. Fans looking to follow the action can access live streaming options through domestic and international broadcasting channels, with virtual private network services available for viewers navigating regional blackout restrictions.