Houston Dash retain Lowdon and Lampson for 2023

The Houston Dash made a big announcement Wednesday afternoon concerning Dash head coach Sam Laity's staff. Houston will retain the services of assistant coach Sarah Lowdon and goalkeeping coach Matt Lampson.

This may well be the biggest move that the Houston dash could have made this offseason.B oth Lowdon and Lampson were integral to the Houston Dash making the playoffs in 2022.

Lowdon, with no prior head coaching experience, stepped 48 hours before the start of the season and did the unthinkable. Not only did she keep the ship afloat when former head coach James Clarkson was suspended but she was full steam ahead. Under her leadership, the team put together the best start in team history, the best road record in the NWSL and one of the best defenses over the eight games of the season. And on top of that, they have the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history. This was fortunate for Houston that Lowdon wanted to stay after Juna Carlos Amoros was brought in to close the season and then didn't want the job and Laity was then hired instead of Lowdon.

“I’ve learned so much already over the last year being with the Dash,” Lowdon said. “I am looking forward to even more growth for myself personally and for the team. I am excited for new beginnings with a new head coach in Sam Laity and a new general manager with Alex.” 

Under Lampson's tutelage, Houston Dash keeper was even stingier through the first eight games than any keeper in the NWSL in 2022. At Ohio State University prior to coming to the Dash last May, Lampson is a former MLS keeper with four different clubs including the 2020 Columbus Crew MLS Cup Champions. The Dash secured six clean sheets in 2022.

“I am beyond excited to continue as a member of the staff with the Houston Dash,” Lampson said. “The direction this club is headed and the progression and standards that are being attained is something that I am honored to be a part of. This club welcomed me with open arms last year and I cannot wait to do everything in my power to help us continue to set milestones and reach new heights in the coming years.”

Houston is fortunate to retain both coaches but that is what a well run winning club does. They sign their key players to multi-year deals and they keep the core of the coaching staff intact.