Houston Dash signs goalkeeper Liz Beardsley to short-term contract

The Houston Dash have signed goalkeeper Liz Beardsley to a short-term contract, finalizing a move that strengthens the club’s depth at a critical position. The decision comes as the Dash continue reshaping their roster ahead of a long and demanding NWSL season, where depth between the posts can prove decisive.

Beardsley, 22, made a strong impression during preseason training with the club. Invited to camp as a non-roster player, she traveled with the team to the Coachella Valley Invitational and quietly earned her place through consistency, confidence, and a commanding presence in goal. Her elevation to a professional contract is not just a nod to her performance, but also a recognition of the poise she’s carried since her college days.

She arrives in Houston after a collegiate career that spanned two major programs. At the University of Maryland, she was a mainstay during her final season, starting every match and recording multiple shutouts. Prior to that, she developed at the University of Georgia, where she was recognized for her academic and athletic discipline. Though her path was not spotlighted with national acclaim, those close to her game saw a player who matured quietly—and now finds herself ready for the next step.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, standard for short-term contracts of this nature. But the significance of the signing lies more in the strategic intent. With established starter Jane Campbell already anchoring the position, and depth options in Heather Hinz and Abby Smith, the Dash are opting for flexibility and reinforcement amid a season that could see call-ups, injuries, and mid-year tournaments test squad limits.

For Beardsley, the contract represents more than just a new role. It’s a moment that validates years of quiet belief. “You train for this without knowing if it’ll ever come,” she said. “When the call finally happens, you don’t just think of yourself. You think of everyone who helped you hold the line.”

That line—between perseverance and payoff—is one Beardsley has held for years. Now, in Houston orange, she stands on the edge of something more. Whether her minutes come immediately or not, her signature marks the kind of thoughtful acquisition that can change the narrative of a season when it matters most.