Vera Pauw, Houston Dash part ways

It’s one and done for Verde Pauw. The Houston Dash are back in the market for a head coach after parting ways with Pauw. The coach decided not to seek a contract renewal and plans to return to The Netherlands to be closer to her family.

“While the Houston Dash is a phenomenal club with huge potential and an amazing fan base, I have decided to not pursue a contract extension. Although we set club records in many categories and stayed in the playoff race until the final week of the season, it is best for me to go back to my husband in The Netherlands,” Pauw said in the team release about the decision. “I thank club management for the ongoing support of the changes that had to be made. I leave a young team that is ready for the future. The foundation is set, and I wish the club the success it deserves.”

2018 was the first season coaching in the NWSL for Pauw. For most of the season rumors swirled around the team that players and Pauw did not see eye to eye causing discord in the locker room. It was a mixed bag of a season for the Dash in terms of results as they started the season off shaky but found success after several mid-season moves. They finished the season sixth in the NWSL standings, two places out of the playoffs. They finished the 24 game season with 32 points and a -4 goal differential. The Dash won nine games this season, the most so far for the club.

In the five seasons they have played in the NWSL they have never made the playoffs. With this move it brings the NWSL coaching vacancy to three as the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit are also looking for new coaches.