The Houston Dash made a significant move on Thursday by parting ways with general manager Alex Singer. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club announced that the search for a new GM will commence promptly, without divulging further details at this time.
Currently positioned in 12th place out of 14 teams in the league, the Dash have secured only three victories in 16 matches, with a record of 3-8-5. The team has been navigating recent challenges, including the absence of head coach Fran Alonso for nearly a month. The Dash have cited Alonso's illness as the reason for his extended leave, although specific details regarding his condition have not been disclosed.
Assistant coach Ricky Clarke has assumed the role of acting coach for the past three games, starting with a defeat against the Kansas City Current on June 28. Clarke is expected to lead the team once again as they face Tigres on Sunday in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup.
Singer, 36, assumed the GM position in Houston on August 24, 2022, and oversaw a period of coaching transitions within the organization. Following Singer's appointment, Juan Carlos Amoros declined the coaching role at the Dash, despite guiding the team to its first playoff appearance as an interim coach. Amoros later found success with NJ/NY Gotham FC, clinching the 2023 NWSL Championship.
Under Singer's leadership, Sam Laity was brought in as head coach ahead of the 2023 season. However, Laity was relieved of his duties before the season's conclusion, despite the Dash still being in contention for a playoff spot. Alonso was subsequently hired in December, marking the fifth coaching change for the Dash since the beginning of 2022.
Throughout the season, winger María Sánchez requested a trade shortly after signing a record-breaking contract in the NWSL. She was subsequently traded to the San Diego Wave for a total compensation of $500,000 before the league's transfer deadline in April.
Prior to her role with the Dash, Singer had a professional playing career as a defender in the United States, Australia, Sweden, and Germany from 2006 to 2015. She also had a stint with the NWSL's Washington Spirit from 2014 to 2015 before transitioning to a role at the sports agency Octagon.
