Now that the trade deadline is over, can the Houston Dash finally have a good run?
The 2024 NWSL season has been going on for five weeks, and the main trade window is now closed. It’s time for another Vibe check! This is where you can get my honest thoughts on everything related to women’s soccer from someone who works in the field. During the transfer window, there was a lot going on. Now that week 6 is over, let’s get to it! No doubt, what happened with Maria Sanchez is the question that everyone has.
San Diego gets the player they want
Casey Stoney, head coach of Wave FC, said at a press conference before the game that San Diego has been interested in Sanchez for a few years. The player was on their radar when they were still an expansion team and again when they were free agents this summer. In December, the club tried to get the attacker to sign with them, but she finally chose to go with Houston.
Now, after only four months, San Diego has finally bought the player.
Sanchez told the press in her first press conference, “It’s been a rough month for me mentally. I’m glad to be here and excited to focus on soccer.” “I wish the rules were different, but they are what they are…” I’m glad that everything turned out the way I wanted it to. Hopefully, the rules can change.
Stoney also said that the move for Sanchez happened quickly and that the second try was mostly dealt with by club officials and the player’s management team. The head coach also said she found out about the winger playing for Wave FC just hours before their away game against the Orlando Pride.
It looks like everything works out in the end. Sanchez said in her news conference that she “thinks” she is on good terms with former Dash coaches and players.
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The Houston Dash Saga
The Houston Dash were the most talked about team in the recent transfer window. A lot of teams were busy, but the Texas team got the most attention. That will happen when the star player you signed to a record-setting deal a few months ago demands a move. A lot of people were interested in the club during the transfer window, both good and bad, because players were coming and going.
Of course, Sanchez was the big focus. She was traded to San Diego Wave FC at the last minute for a record $300,000 in Intra-League Funds, $200,000 in allocation money, and foreign slots for 2024 and 2025. It took days of back-and-forth negotiations.
That made it possible for other moves to happen. Houston also sent goalkeeper Emily Alvarado to Portland Thorns FC in exchange for $35,000 in allocation money. According to CBS Sports, the player wanted to play in a different setting, which is one reason why the deal was made. Sources also say that other players were interested in leaving the club during the April window.
The Dash got center back Paige Nielsen from Angel City FC in a trade, and they also got Brazilian defender Tarciane from Corinthians. The Dash need help on defense right away because they were leading the league with 14 goals scored and were in 12th place out of 14 teams.
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The Dash got some great defensive help during the transfer window, but in the end, it added to a story that has been going on for ten years about the club’s inability to create a competitive setting that leads to success. The Texas team has been in the NWSL since 2014, but they have never had a string of good seasons in a row.
The club just marked its 10th anniversary. In that time, it won its first Challenge Cup and made it to the playoffs once, in 2022. Eight different coaches were also on the team, ranging from full-time head coach to acting head coach to interim jobs. Eight people have been in charge of the team before Fran Alonso, who was hired this season.
There have been claims of discrimination, harassment, and bullying at work against two of the previous coaches, Vera Pauw and James Clarkson. Before the NWSL’s policy against abuse was put in place, Pauw left the club after one season in 2018. Clarkson was suspended during the 2022 season while claims were being looked into. His contract did not get renewed because it expired at the end of that season.
There hasn’t been much chance for success because of all the changes. After ten years of bad seasons despite great individual performances from Kealia Ohai Watt, Rachel Daly, and Jane Campbell, the recent transfer window may have been a turning point for the Dash. That might depend on the person, because for some it might be the breaking point.
Want to read more about women’s soccer? Listen below, and don’t forget to watch Attacking Third on Golazo Network every Monday and Friday to get all the latest USWNT, NWSL, and WSL soccer news.
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Marta is going to quit the Brazil women’s national team
It really will be the end of an era for sports for women in Brazil. Marta told CNN Brazil that 2024 would be her last year playing for her country’s team, after her last World Cup in 2023.
“This is my last year, and I can say that right now.” At some point, we have to realize that the time has come. When it comes to young players, I’m very calm about this because I see the [Brazil national team] growing in a very positive way.
Before the age of social media on the internet, Marta rose to fame. In 2002, she played her first game for her country with the U20 team. In 2003, she was with the adult team. You can now find fuzzy clips of how great she was all over the internet. She played on three countries and had an effect on the game that is felt all over the world. We were reminded of this when players continued to honor her.
The 38-year-old player was on Brazil’s team that was knocked out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the group stage. The South American teams have already qualified for the future Olympics in France, which will start on July 25. They were put in Group C with Nigeria, Spain, and Japan.
While he has been in charge of Brazil, Arthur Elias has changed a lot of the players on the team. Marta wasn’t picked for the Concacaf W Gold Cup team, but he did call her and experienced teammate Cristiane to camp for the SheBelieves Cup. Still, getting on an Olympic team is hard because only 16 field players and two goalkeepers are usually picked.
“If I make it to the Olympics, I will enjoy every second because this is my last year with the national team, whether I make it or not.” “From 2025 on, Marta will not be on the national team,” she said.
The Orlando Pride have signed her to play for them until the 2024 season, and she hasn’t decided yet if she wants to stop playing club soccer. This is the legend’s last World Cup and now her last year with Brazil. This must mean she is thinking about her future. That means that people who are lucky enough to be able to go to Orlando Pride games, whether they are at home or on the road, can still see the biggest star in women’s soccer.
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