Houston loves its Canadians — it always has. And now Dash fans can rest easy that two of its most beloved internationals from north of the border will be extending their stay in the Bayou City.
On Thursday morning, sources informed The Striker that Allysha Chapman and Sophie Schmidt have signed contract extensions to keep them at the Texas club in 2023.
On Thursday afternoon, the Dash announced that Schmidt had signed a two-year deal through the 2024 season. While Chapman had penned a one-year extension. Both contracts include options for a respective further year.
"Keeping Sophie with us in Houston was a top priority as she has consistently been one of the most impactful players on our roster,” Dash general manger Alex Singer said. “She is a leader on and off the field and the definition of a professional. I’m thrilled she will remain with us long term as we build our foundation around her core qualities. “
“Allysha is a grueling defender on the field and a dedicated teammate off the field. She is the definition of grit and determination and embodies everything this club stands for. We are elated she chose to stay with the club for one more season," Singer added.
The duo penned open letters to the fans on the Houston Dash's website.
"There’s unfinished business here in Houston. This team, the players, this club – there's so much to play for. Things are growing here and excitement is building," wrote Schmidt.
"On the field, we had a lot of success and believe me, we’re just getting started. The girls on this team – they're always improving and getting better. Even players like Sophie and myself, who are both on the older end of the spectrum, are constantly improving," explained Chapman.
The news comes hot on the heels of Monday's revelation that Schmidt was going to be added to the list of first-ever NWSL free agents. On Monday, it was made public that the league's players association had won a battle with the league to have unactivated club options expunged from players with over six years of experience in the NWSL. Chapman was also out of contract and on course to hit the free agency market.
Free agency and transfer autonomy is a huge win for NWSL players, and just one of many things the NWSLPA should be very proud of accomplishing. Not only does it allow experienced players the ability to decide where they play their soccer, but it will also allow players choosing to stay at their clubs — like Chapman and Schmidt — more negotiating power.
With the free agency market now being open, these players will be compensated closer to what they deserve. Of course, it goes without saying that every single player in the NWSL is underpaid. (But that's a patriarchal story for another time.)
'Very excited to be a part of it'
There were some clues that we would be seeing these two fan favorites put on the club's colors in 2023.
Speaking after Houston's 2-1 playoff defeat to the Kansas City Current on Sunday, the Canadian international spoke candidly about her excitement for next season and belief in the Dash project as a whole. Even minutes after a gut-wrenching loss, the positivity and belief in Schmidt's voice shone through.
"We can only go up from here and for the future of the club, Houston Dash is very exciting and I think that any player would be very excited to be a part of it," remarked Schmidt. "I feel like I'm playing my best soccer at this moment. I feel alive on the field. I want to help my teammates, I want to help the club achieve new heights."
Chapman was unable to feature in the Dash's historic NWSL playoff debut due to a leg injury picked up during the international break. Some had feared that it would mean fans wouldn't get a chance to see the player affectionately known as "Chappy" play in orange ever again.
However, one of the longest-serving Dash players of all time decided that her future lies in Houston. Since returning to the Dash in 2018, when Chapman has not been away on international duty, the left back position has been almost entirely occupied by the Canadian. Known for her tenacity and tackling ability, it is almost impossible to imagine anyone else filling the role.
ALLYSHA CHAPMAN HEADS IT HOME FOR CANADA'S SECOND🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Pe3DL2hn0B
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 15, 2022
World Cup 2023 approaches
Speaking of International duty, next season will be a big one for the Canadian duo because it is a World Cup year. Les Rouges are the reigning Olympic gold medalists, and a No. 1 seed going into next summer's World Cup in Australia & New Zealand.
One can assume that being in a position to maximize their chances of making Bev Preistman's squad played heavy on their minds when weighing up their options to extend in Houston. Both Chapman and Schmidt have played some of the best soccer of their careers for the Dash in recent years, and have consistently been members of the Canada squad in that time.
This also means the Dash will need to have a contingency plan for left back and midfield cover during the summer months in 2023, when Canada's World Cup training camp and tournament are taking place. Forward Nichelle Prince, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Dash in 2022, is also likely to feature at the Copa Mundial.
In 2021, Schmidt was originally left out of Canada's Olympic squad but later was added when the Olympic committee expanded the number of players each nation could bring from 18 to 22. Just last week the midfielder spoke about how that moment affected her and spurred her onto to improve her game.
"It's been a year of growth and I'm thankful for that. I've had some amazing people around me to help challenge and push me along the way," said Schmidt. "Even though Bev [Priestman] didn't take me as the original roster for the Olympics, she's been also very supportive of me and complimentary of my play, and how I've improved and taken that information to kind of move forward with it."
Schmidt finished up her 2022 NWSL season as a contender for the team's player of the season. The holding midfielder made 19 appearances, scored four goals, and notched one assist. She also led the Dash in tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries. Beyond the statistics though, she is a leader for the club and has repeatedly been lauded for her communication skills.
Sophie Schmidt only scores pure strikes. Oof.
— Theo Lloyd-Hughes (@theolloydhughes) July 12, 2022
pic.twitter.com/vWszyDOIWh
She also led the Dash in tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries. Beyond the statistics though, she is a leader for the club and has repeatedly been lauded for her communication skills.