Houston Dash

The Houston Dash have relieved goalkeepers coach Matt Lampson of his duties after a reported relationship with a player on the team, which is in violation of the NWSL Anti-Fraternization Policy and NWSL Coach Code of Conduct.

Theodore Lloyd-Hughes of The Equalizer first reported the news Wednesday. A Dash spokesperson released this statement via email.

"Houston Dash goalkeeper coach Matt Lampson was terminated on March 18," the email read.

"We respect the privacy and confidentiality of our players and employees and will not comment on specific details of Club employment matters."

A third-party attorney retained by both the Dash and NWSL conducted an investigation after allegations that Lampson "[crossed] professional boundaries with a Dash player."

An NWSL spokesperson stated the following to ESPN's Jeff Kassouf:

"The investigator determined that Lampson violated the NWSL Anti-Fraternization Policy and NWSL Coach Code of Conduct which require coaches to maintain strict adherence to professional boundaries but did not find a violation of the NWSL Anti-Harassment Policy which is focused on preventing abusive, discriminatory, or harassing behavior."

Kassouf also relayed excerpt from the NWSL's Anti-Fraternization policy, which is not available to the public.

"NWSL Supervisors may not engage in, develop, continue, or pursue any romantic and/or sexual relationships or encounters, even when consensual, with any employee (including NWSL players or trialists) over whom they currently have direct or indirect supervisory authority or management influence," the policy states.

"This prohibition includes relationships that pre-date the hiring of such Supervisor or non-Supervisor or pre-date this policy ('Pre-Existing Relationship'). All relationships set forth in this paragraph are strictly prohibited."

The NWSL has also suspended Lampson from future employment in the league through the end of the 2024 campaign "due to these violations and a lack of full cooperation" during the investigation, the spokesperson offered to ESPN.

The 34-year-old Lampson made 51 appearances in MLS for the Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Minnesota United and LA Galaxy from 2012-2020.

Following his playing career, Lampson served as a volunteer assistant goalkeeper coach for Ohio State, his alma mater, as well as Ohio Dominican University. He joined the Dash as their goalkeepers coach in March 2022.

An independent investigation into alleged racial profiling at a Houston Dash game in early April has officially been closed, and no disciplinary action will be taken against the club, the NWSL announced Tuesday. 

After an April 9 match between the Chicago Red Stars and the Dash, Chicago defender Sarah Gorden said her boyfriend, who is Black, was confronted by security guards and threatened with arrest when he went to the field level following the game. Gorden said none of the white players or their families, who had also come down to the field, were given similar warnings. 

Citing confidentiality restrictions of existing policies, the ​NWSL did not provide specific findings or conclusions from the investigation.

"The NWSL remains committed to fostering a safe work environment for players and staff, free from harassment, racial bias and discrimination of any kind," the league said in the statement. "And as previously announced is developing mandatory, league-wide training to support that commitment."

Chicago assistant coach Scott Parkinson tweeted a statement on April 10 with further details from his perspective. He explained one of the Red Stars players approached him during Gorden's interaction with the guard, fearing for the safety of her and her family. 

"It seemed to me that Sarah and her three Black friends were the only ones being addressed in this way and it was extremely upsetting," Parkinson said, adding he confronted the guard as well. "... In that moment, my instincts told me they were being unfairly treated because of the color of their skin." 

In their own April 10 statement, the Dash apologized to Gorden and the Red Stars, explaining the guard was "entirely focused on COVID safety" and they would take steps to address the team's current policies. 

Gorden alleged that was not the case, as she noted no other families were bothered on the field. 

The NWSL's Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment "strictly prohibits any and all forms of harassment and discrimination by or against players and other NWSL personnel," including third parties such as team operators, medical staff, league partners or sponsors. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Gorden had not commented on the league's findings or the decision not to take any disciplinary action.