The Houston Dash have fired goalkeeper coach Matt Lampson amid a reported relationship with a player, the NWSL has confirmed.
The Equalizer reported on Wednesday that Lampson’s alleged relationship with the unnamed player began at the end of 2023, with the Dash’s front office becoming aware of it at the beginning of 2024.
Lampson’s last involvement with the Dash came during the NWSL Draft on January 12. By the beginning of preseason on January 29, the 34-year-old was no longer with the team.
In a statement provided to The Equalizer and other outlets, the league confirmed Lampson’s termination.
Following an investigation into allegations of NWSL policy violations the Houston Dash announced the termination of Goalkeeper Coach Matthew Lampson’s employment.
The investigation, conducted by a third-party attorney engaged jointly by NWSL and the Houston Dash, examined third-party reports of Lampson crossing professional boundaries with a Dash player. During the investigation, Lampson was subsequently placed on administrative leave.
The investigator determined that Lampson violated the NWSL Anti-Fraternization Policy and NWSL Coach Code of Conduct which require coaches to maintain strict adherence to professional boundaries but did not find a violation of the NWSL Anti-Harassment Policy which is focused on preventing abusive, discriminatory, or harassing behavior.
As a result of the findings, Lampson’s employment has been terminated by the Houston Dash. Furthermore, the NWSL has suspended Lampson from future employment within the League through the end of the 2024 season due to these violations and lack of full cooperation.
To be eligible for future employment within the League, Lampson must acknowledge wrongdoing, participate in NWSL mandated training, and demonstrate a commitment to correcting his behavior, as determined by the Commissioner.
Lampson was hired by the Dash in 2022 after playing 10 seasons in MLS, spending time with the Chicago Fire, Minnesota United, LA Galaxy and the Columbus Crew.
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