Rachel Daly will not be returning to the Houston Dash after winning the UEFA Women's EURO with England.
The Houston Dash announced the transfer of its all-time scorer to Aston Villa F.C. for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday. The move ends a seven-year stint for the English forward in the National Women's Soccer League where she helped the Texas club to its first-ever trophy, the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Houston, thank you for 7 years of unbelievable memories. I will miss you 🧡 #DTFO pic.twitter.com/R0EAC2cQVx
— Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) August 9, 2022
"My time in Houston has been a journey," Daly remarked by way of press release. "Not many people can say they have played at the same club for seven years. I am honored to have worn orange for that length of time.
"I absolutely love this club and the city of Houston," she added. "I have created memories that will last a lifetime. I feel happy knowing that I am leaving this club in a much better place than when I arrived. I can’t wait to see the future success of the Houston Dash. I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart.”
Daly was drafted by Houston with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. The 30-year-old finishes with 116 appearances for the club in all competitions. She provided 42 goals and 12 assists in her seven seasons with the club.
Daly was named to the league Second XI twice during her time with Houston in 2018 and 2021. She also earned MVP and Best XI honors plus the Golden Boot at the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Her team awards include being named the Team MVP in 2021 and 2018. Additionally, she led the team in scoring in 2021 and 2018, plus finished tied for the most goals in the 2019 and 2017 seasons.
Good luck across the pond, RD3 🧡🤘#HoldItDown
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) August 9, 2022
“Rachel has been an integral part of the Houston Dash for seven years and she will be missed not only as a world-class footballer, but also as a driven and passionate leader on and off the pitch,” Dash president Jessica O’Neill said. “This transfer will result in Rachel being much closer to her loved ones, a request we wanted to make every effort to honor. We’re deeply grateful for the commitment and loyalty she’s shown to this city and wish her the best in her next adventure.”
"It was a big decision to come home... it felt right to sign for Villa. The journey that the club is on is one that I want to be a part of."@RachelDaly3's first interview as an Aston Villa player! 🎬
— Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) August 9, 2022
Internationally, Daly recently won the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 with England, the first continental title for the Lionesses. She started in all six games as an outside back and led the team to four clean sheets in the tournament. She also represented Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Dash will celebrate Daly’s recent triumph with the Lionesses and her contributions to the club at halftime on this Friday’s match at PNC Stadium. The team will also host a media availability at PNC Stadium with Daly at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 12.
