What’s Going on With the Houston Dash?

September 17, 2024
By Carina Chin

Lately, there have been some questionable issues surrounding the Houston Dash. Without a doubt, the current instability of the organization has demonstrated itself in the club’s current losing form. Let’s take a look at the issues that have fans scratching their heads.

Missing Head Coach

Fran Alonso, who had begun his first year with Houston Dash, has been entirely missing in action. The Houston Dash shared that Alonso’s absence was due to an illness. Yet, even after the NWSL’s summer break, Alonso remains absent. That tallies his absences to almost three months, with no update from the organization since late June. The team is in a downward spiral, with assistant coach Ricky Clarke taking the lead. Although finding no success lately, Clarke noted to reporters on June 27 that when the head coach falls, it’s the responsibility of the assistant coach to step up and keep everyone on the same page.

It is important to respect the privacy of one’s personal issues, and, of course, it would be unwise to continue negotiating for details of a sensitive situation. But with the head coach’s absence extending over two months, the organization owes fans a brief update. As an organization, transparency is key to building trust with fans and other business partners. The Houston Dash currently lacks clarity and stability, both on and off the field.

And What About Cece Kizer?

Earlier this year, the KC Current sent Kizer to the Houston Dash in return for Nichelle Price. Then, in February, the Houston Dash and Cece Kizer agreed on a contract extension to keep Kizer in the orange and blue until 2025. About six months later, both Houston Dash and Cece Kizer mutually agreed to go their separate ways and terminate Kizer’s contract. The most obvious question to this is “Why?” and it is the question that remains answerless.

For a thought, Kizer’s farewell post to KC Current on Instagram revealed a sense of shock and disappointment. An issue like this further strengthens the power of the new NWSL CBA, which promotes consensual trade agreements between players and clubs. Not only was Kizer’s contract terminated in early September, but Kizer was also quickly signed to a contract by the NJ/NY Gotham a couple of days later. This only prompts fans to wonder what the reasoning behind the termination was exactly.

A Failing Form

Houston Dash is at the bottom of the table with a 3-5-12 record. The organization has experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and this season has consisted mostly of lows. Fans remain confused by particular moves made by the organization. Many still wonder what is going on with Fran Alonso and how severe his illness may be.

All in all, the issues surrounding the club are making themselves apparent in the club’s performance as of late. With a six-game losing streak, the Houston Dash need to find an upbeat energy to get out of their slump. Putting issues behind when the whistle is blown is no easy task, but with the final six matches of the season in front of the Houston Dash, doing so is the only answer.

Featured image via @houstondash on Instagram