The Houston Dash announced Friday that Tony DiCicco, former head coach of the U.S. women’s national team, has been hired to serve as a consultant. DiCicco will assist Dash president Chris Canetti and recently announced managing director Brian Ching on the search for a head coach and the first players for the team’s roster.
As previously reported by The Equalizer, Mia Hamm is also consulting the club.
DiCicco had expressed interest in coaching in the National Women’s Soccer League, and according to reports, had interview for the position in Houston.
“I am excited about the opportunity to consult for the Houston Dash and work with Chris Canetti and Brian Ching while they interview for a coach and build a roster,” DiCicco said in a release. “The Dash are creating an excellent situation for players to train and play and I have been very impressed with how the Houston Dynamo organization is behind the Dash playing in the NWSL.”
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With the clock ticking down to the NWSL College Draft on January 17th, DiCicco will offer Canetti and Ching a dedicated women’s soccer resource without being forced to hire a head coach immediately. Previously, Canetti had expressed hopes to have the coach hired by Christmas, and indicated that the head coach would be in charge of all player signings. DiCicco could still be in his advisory role through the expansion draft, the date for which is still forthcoming.
Based on Friday’s hiring, it looks like the first coach in Houston may already have the start of a roster before he or she arrives.
