The Houston Dash announced today new contracts for assistant coach Sarah Lowdon and goalkeeper coach Matt Lampson.
"We are thrilled to have Sarah and Matt extend their tenure with the Dash. As we saw last year, both coaches were important pieces in our most successful season to date. Retaining talented and committed staff is a tremendous part of building our momentum and an important part of the club vision. Sarah and Matt are committed to our project and foster a best-in-class environment,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “Sarah played a pivotal role leading the team as acting head coach, as we transitioned to a new coach, and in our success for the remainder of the year. She is a valuable part of this organization who truly appreciates the direction we are heading. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge of the game from his years as a professional athlete that all our players, coaches and staff benefit from. I look forward to continuing to support both incredibly talented coaches in their professional development and believe in their contributions to the club.”
Both Lowdon and Lampson were key figures in helping the Dash reach 10 wins last season, a first for the team. The Dash ultimately qualified for the postseason for the first time ever with a 2-1 victory over the Washington Spirit on October 1. The team closed the year by hosting the first playoff game in Dash history in front of 21,284 fans.
In 2022, Lowdon was named the acting head coach for the first eight regular season games and led the team to a six-game unbeaten streak. Lowdon has prior coaching stops at Penn State, Sam Houston State and the University of Florida. The Newcastle, England native holds the USSF A and B licenses, and is currently enrolled in the USSF Pro License course.
“I’ve learned so much already over the last year being with the Dash,” Lowdon said. “I am looking forward to even more growth for myself personally and for the team. I am excited for new beginnings with a new head coach in Sam Laity and a new general manager with Alex.”
Lampson joined the Dash in May 2022 from Ohio State University. Lampson, who is a former MLS goalkeeper with Columbus Crew SC and Chicago Fire FC, helped guide the Dash to six clean sheets during the 2022 regular season. Off the field, Lampson works with cancer patients in Houston through the Lampstrong Foundation. Lampson, who is a cancer survivor himself, was a three-time MLS Humanitarian of the Year Winner during his playing career.
“I am beyond excited to continue as a member of the staff with the Houston Dash,” Lampson said. “The direction this club is headed and the progression and standards that are being attained is something that I am honored to be a part of. This club welcomed me with open arms last year anc I cannot wait to do everything in my power to help us continue to set milestones and reach new heights in the coming years.”
Lampson and Lowdon will join head coach Sam Laity at Houston Sports Park later this month as the team prepares for the 2023 NWSL regular season.
