One week after joining the Houston Dash, Khyah Harper already sounds convinced that she made the right decision for her second chapter in the NWSL.
Speaking exclusively with South Ward Central on Tuesday, Harper shared her reasons for moving to “The Lone Star State” after she helped Gotham capture three trophies in two seasons.
The 23-year-old forward sees the potential in the Dash, who currently sit 13th overall in the NWSL standings but are assembling a collection of talented and determined players who are entering their peak years.
Why Houston Was the Right Fit for Harper
“I think what they’re building here is super special,” Harper told South Ward Central via Zoom. “They’re investing in young players, and I’m one of them. So I think that’s really cool to come into a team that is learning, experiencing and seeing what each other can do and picking each other up and having that grit and drive that every team is looking for.
“I think that young players obviously can do that a lot more. So I think that’s really special about this group. I think that it’s just a great opportunity. The coaches have been amazing. This whole club so far has been amazing. I’ve been here for just about a week, and I’ve loved it so far. So I’m really excited for what’s to come.”
She joins a young squad that has continued adding promising talent. Houston acquired midfielder Emina Ekić in April and forward Miljana Ivanović in June, and former Duke University standout forward Kat Rader took home NWSL Rookie of the Month honors in May.
Harper believes that she will fit right in with the Dash, given her defense-stretching pace and ability to make intelligent forward runs.
“I really like the way Houston plays, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I chose here,” Harper explained. “They’re very direct. They’re very forward. They like to run in behind, which is exactly what I like to bring to my game.
“I think that it’s always go, go, go. This team is really gritty and fast-paced, that’s also what I like for my game. So I think that the more I learn and develop with this group, I think that it’ll be really special.”
Bringing Gotham FC’s Championship Lessons to Houston
Having spent the first two years of her career soaking up knowledge and advice from veteran forwards Esther González, Katie Lampson and Midge Purce, Harper is eager to impart the lessons she learned during her time with the defending NWSL champions to her Dash teammates.
“At Gotham, I learned something new every single day, not only from the coaches, but also from the players,” she recalled. “So I’m hoping that I can step into this group and not only learn from them, but also help them learn things that I’ve learned that have helped my play. I think that can be really special moving forward and doing my best to help the team in any way that I can.
“Here at Houston, our culture has been amazing. All the girls have been amazing. And I think that the stuff on the field will just come with more experience and more play time, and the more we find our system.”
Harper’s first game for the Dash fittingly came against Gotham last Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium. She entered the match in the 55th minute in a 1-0 defeat to her former club.
Harper created one chance, completed six of eight passes, made two tackles and recorded two interceptions in her Dash debut.
University of Minnesota Head Coach Erin Chastain Believes Harper Is an Ideal Fit for the Dash
Her coach at the University of Minnesota, Erin Chastain, followed the match closely and believes that Harper and the Dash have the potential to be a terrific fit.
“I think it’s a great move,” Chastain told South Ward Central. “I watched her minutes in her first game. I think she got like 35 or 40 minutes. It’s a huge opportunity to either go in that wide spot or to play up on the front line, and I think they’ll be excited to have her, and the more they probably see her in their environment, I would imagine that role will get even bigger as she learns their system and finds her footing.”
“I just think she’ll be a great tactical fit. I think Fabrice [Gautrat] is really going to like her just in terms of what she can do on and off the ball. Then athletically she’s just a wonderful, explosive athlete. So I think she’s going to have a lot of success for them. I think they play a good brand of soccer. I think their games are typically pretty tight. I think they’re bringing her in to really make an impact and help their team score more goals. So it’ll be fun to watch her be able to contribute to that – and I absolutely think she will.”
Harper Focused on Helping Houston Return to Contention
Despite their 13th-place position, the Dash are only four points off the pace of eighth-place Angel City FC, who currently occupy the final playoff spot.
Harper is eager to combine with teammates in an effort to push Houston up the table.
“I think that ultimately it comes down to our team performance,” Harper stated. “I don’t think one individual can do it. It’s a team sport for a reason. So I think that getting everyone on board and having our system and our speed of play and everything that counts in the game of soccer, I think that’s what can really bring a team from one level to the next.
“I think for me right now, just learning the team and developing and figuring out what I can do to help the team in the best way I can, rather than just focusing on myself and my performance. I’m a very team-oriented player. So I think that team always comes first.”
Harper and the Dash will next face the NWSL Shield-holding Kansas City Current on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our interview with Khyah on Thursday, which will focus on her Gotham memories, the friendships she built and what her time with the club and living in the New York City area meant to her.
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