Matt Lampson Fired as Houston Dash GK Coach After Probe into Player Fraternization

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.