The Houston Dash have named Juan Carlos Amorós their interim head coach, marking a second coaching change in an NWSL season that is not halfway over.
According to the Dash, Sarah Lowdon—who was named acting head coach on April 29 after James Clarkson was suspended during an NWSL investigation into “discrimination, harassment, abuse, and bullying”—will carry on in her role as acting head coach through the end of June while Amorós acquires his U.S. visa. Lowdon will then become the club’s top assistant coach.
Since stepping in, Lowdown has steered the Dash to a 3W-3D-2L record, good enough for fifth place in the NWSL standings, including a six-game unbeaten run that set a new club record. Barring delays in the visa process, Lowdon will lead the team through one more game, this Sunday’s road match against the North Carolina Courage. The question of what the club will do with regards to Clarkson remains unanswered.
“After a thorough search process, we are thrilled to introduce Juan to Houston and believe his leadership experience in the women’s game will be a difference-maker,” said Dash president Jessica O’Neill in a team press release. “In addition, we’d like to recognize Sarah Lowdon for her impactful work and thoughtful approach to serving as acting head coach. We look forward to having both Juan and Sarah, alongside the rest of our staff, lead us towards our goal of making the playoffs for the first time in club history.”
“I am excited to join the Dash because I have seen the commitment to women’s soccer from owner Ted Segal and everyone at the organization,” added Amorós. “I believe the Dash have a massive potential to be one of the best teams in the best league in the world.”
“I am very excited to welcome Juan and his family to the Houston Dash,” said Lowdon. “I am looking forward to learning from Juan and working with him throughout this transition.”
Amorós was in charge at Real Betís in the 2021-22 season, in which the club finished in ninth place. Before that, he spent a decade with Tottenham’s women’s team, leading the club from amateur status through several promotions up into the FA Women’s Super League.
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