Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly was nominated for an ESPY Award as a candidate for the Best NWSL Player Award, the ESPYS announced this week.
Fans are able to cast their votes here, and will be able to watch the awards show live on ABC at 7 p.m. CT. Other nominees in the category include Gotham FC’s Kailen Sheridan, Chicago Red Stars midfielder Julie Ertz, and North Carolina Courage forward Lynn Williams.
“It’s an absolute honor to be nominated for this prestigious award,” said Daly. “To play for the city of Houston is something I hold so close to my heart and to represent my country is the greatest honor.”
Daly earned this nomination after leading the team to their first league title on July 26, 2020, when Houston defeated Chicago in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup final. The Harrogate, England native was a crucial piece of the Dash’s first league title, scoring three goals and providing three assists to earn NWSL Challenge Cup MVP and Golden Boot honors.
“This is fantastic recognition for Rachel’s achievements and consistent high-quality play over the last year,” said Dash Head Coach James Clarkson. “Getting to vote is important so we make sure she brings this prestigious award home.”
Of Houston’s eight goals scored in the 2020 tournament, Daly played a role in five, including the assist to midfielder Shea Groom for the insurance goal in the final against the Red Stars. The assist clinched the Golden Boot for Daly, breaking a tie with Groom and North Carolina Courage forward Lynn Williams, who each scored three goals and had one assist. Houston’s captain most recently became the club’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Kealia Watt’s record of 28 goals for the Dash. This season, Daly has netted two goals in three games for Houston with 30 career goals since joining the team in 2016.
This summer, Daly is set to make her Olympic debut in Tokyo with Team Great Britain after being named to the squad on May 27. Daly has earned 38 caps for the Lionesses, scoring four goals splitting time at forward and outside back. She played a key role in England’s semifinal run at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, seeing action in five of their seven matches and starting twice, including in the semifinal against the United States.
