Houston Dash players celebrated their coach's first victory by presenting him with a ball signed by the squad

Gautrat secured his first win as Houston Dash coachPlayers surprised him with a signed ball after the matchDash beat Chicago Stars 2-1 in their second NWSL gameMelissa Tamez-Imagn ImagesWHAT HAPPENED

Following Houston Dash's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Stars the players surprised head coach Fabrice Gautrat with a soccer ball signed by every member of the team, commemorating his first win since taking charge of the club.

The football was handed over by star Jane Campbell-Nairn, as she thanked Gautrat

“On behalf of the club and all of us, we just want to say how proud, we are of you for your very first win as head coach. And we’re so honored that you’re wearing the Dash crest, and we couldn’t be more thrilled and happy that you are leading the ship that we just burnt,” Campbell-Nairn said.

AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Following assistant stints with Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage, this is Gautrat’s first job as a head coach. He was appointed in January 2025, just before the start of the NWSL season.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With one win and one loss in their opening two games, the Houston Dash sit sixth on the NWSL table with three points. They have back-to-back home games at the Shell Energy Stadium with Gotham FC first up on March 28 followed by Angel City SC on April 12.