A new face has made her way to the training ground at Houston Sports Park this week as the Dash begin preparations for Sky Blue FC (7:30 p.m. CT; TICKETS). Irish international Denise O’Sullivan arrived in Houston on Sunday and went through her first practice with the team Tuesday evening.
The first challenge for O’Sullivan will be adjusting to the environment in Houston and the demands of the NWSL.
“My first practice was good; it is different from what I’m used to. The tempo of the players, the physicality is a higher step. It will take some time to get use to but I’m excited to be here,” O’Sullivan said. “My goal right now is to fit in and help the team. We want to win trophies. This is a good league, so that will not be an easy task.”
Dash head coach Randy Waldrum was excited to welcome O'Sullivan and compared her playing style to a fan favorite.
“She looks really good technically, she looks real clean,” Waldrum said. “I thought she would look really close to Andressa technically and so far it looks like that same kind of a player. She is also very quick and explosive.”
After playing as a forward for club and country, O'Sullivan will likely shift to the midfield this season due to the various international commitments expected to impact the Dash. She scored 33 goals in 65 games for Glasgow City FC and has eight goals in 46 appearances for the Ireland National Team. As O’Sullivan adjusts to a new role, her focus is on developing a relationship with the forwards on the team.
“My most preferred position is the number 10, the attacking role,” the midfielder said. “I like to get between the lines and thread balls through to strikers. Basically a creative player, that’s the way I am. We have a lot of quality players on the team so I need to build a chemistry with them to have success this year.”
The midfielder was surprised by the presence of several hundred special guests at her first practice, which coincided with a Dash Season Ticket Member event and she looks forward to meeting many more fans this Friday at BBVA Compass Stadium.
“It’s fantastic. I’m not used to seeing this many fans at a practice,” O’Sullivan said. “It is really good to see. It shows the level of support you find in America. It is fantastic for the players, it really gives them a boost.”
The Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:30 p.m. this Friday to face Sky Blue FC. The first 1,000 fans over the age of 21 will receive a free beer courtesy of Waldrum and the Houston Dash. For more information and tickets, visit HoustonDashSoccer.com/Tickets.
