Any minuscule chance the Dash had of qualifying for the playoffs likely ended with a whimper on Thursday night.
The Dash's attack never had much bite until it was too late in a 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Washington (10-3-2) moved atop the NWSL standings. Christine Nairn scored both goals for the visitors. The first came on a penalty kick in the 30th minute and the winner on a shot from distance in the 64th minute.
Houston (3-8-3) remains in ninth place out of 10 teams. If it wins all six of its remaining games it would have only five more points than the current fourth-place team total.