The National Women’s soccer League released a statement on Saturday after Houston Dash midfielder Rachel Daly had to be taken to a local hospital after succumbing to the extreme heat at BBA Compass Stadium at the end of the Dash’s 2-0 loss to Seattle Reign FC. Daly was diagnosed with heat exhaustion.
First and foremost, we want to wish Rachel Daly a quick recovery, as well as other players who may have been impacted by the heat during today’s match between the Houston Dash and Seattle Reign. The safety of our players is always our top priority and due to the high temperature today in Houston, we implemented water breaks to provide additional opportunities to help the players stay hydrated. Prior to the season, we also worked with the Dash on scheduling any nationally televised afternoon games earlier in the year in an attempt to avoid the summer heat that unfortunately we experienced today. We will immediately review these measures to prevent this situation from occurring in the future.
NWSL is committed to starting games at 4 p.m. EDT every Saturday for the rest of the season as part of their television deal with Lifetime.
The Dash released this statement on Daly’s condition: “Rachel Daly was treated for heat illness following today’s Houston Dash home game against Seattle Reign FC. Her condition is improving and she has been taken to a local hospital where she will continue to be monitored. We will provide additional updates at the appropriate time.”
