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Vera Pauw Leaves Houston Dash for the Netherlands

HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 20, 2018) — After one season, Vera Pauw’s adventure in the National Women’s Soccer League is over.

Pauw joined the Houston Dash this past off-season in attempts to pick up a dwindling club. However, despite not making the playoffs, Houston had an admirable season. The Dash finished the 2018 season with a 9-10-5 record.

Vera Pauw Leaves Houston Dash for the Netherlands

The Dash was Pauw’s first attempt at coaching in a soccer league. Previously, Pauw had only coached international teams, including Scotland, the Netherlands, Russia and South Africa.

Her longest stint was with the Netherlands, ranging from 2004-10. According to a team press release, Pauw is returning to the Netherlands to resume international coaching. The team stated that she returned to Holland at the end of the regular-season.

Pauw told the Dash’s official website that the club is “phenomenal” and has “huge potential and an amazing fan base.”

“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. “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.”

Pauw began her coaching career in the NWSL by turning heads, trading away Carli Lloyd and refusing to fight for Christen Press, who made it clear that she did not want to pursue her club career under Pauw.

She brought in her former South African players like Thembi Kgatlana, Janine van Wyk and Linda Motlhalo. Pauw also orchestrated a mid-season trade, bringing Sofia Huerta down to Houston from Chicago.

The team has announced that the search for the club’s third-ever head coach will begin immediately. Houston joins the Washington Spirit as a club without a head coach.