Houston Dash part ways with manager Fran Alonso

The Houston Dash have parted ways with manager Fran Alonso three months after he unexpectedly departed the touchline, the club announced Tuesday. Alonso has not coached the Dash since June 22, due to what was originally labeled as an "illness" but then was termed a "leave of absence."

Per ESPN, the Dash have "repeatedly" declined to share more details around his absence.

In a statement posted on social media, the Dash said they ended their agreement with Alonso “in lieu of a return from leave of absence.”

The firing of the manager comes just over two months after general manager Alex Singer was removed from her position, as well. Now, with the campaign nearing a close, they are without a permanent GM or head coach.

Interim manager Ricky Clarke will remain in charge of the program through the end of the season, while the Dash shared that a GM will be hired before they begin their permanent coach search.

The Dash have just four wins and 17 points from 22 games this season, and sit last in the NWSL standings.

Since 2022, Clarke is the sixth manager to take control of the NWSL franchise, including other interim coaches. The last time the Dash lifted silverware was 2020, when they claimed the NWSL Challenge Cup.

With four matches left in the season, Houston will look to end on a high note, knowing their hopes of playoff qualification are nearly out the door. They take on the Chicago Red Stars Friday in their next regular season match.