Megan Oyster in training with the Houston Dash at Houston Sports Park. (Photo: Houston Dash)
Houston Dash Defender Megan Oyster joined “Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis” Tuesday night on KFNC – ESPN Houston 97.5 FM. Among the topics of conversation were the influences in her career and expectations with her new club.
Oyster joined the Dash from Reign FC via trade in February. Having played in five NWSL seasons, the Naperville, Illinois product is looking to return to the NWSL Playoffs.
Connection with the game during the league-wide moratorium
“I miss the game more than you would know. I think we all do.
It’s almost like that pre-preseason time again for us where it’s just you and the ball, just getting some touches in and doing whatever we can to keep up with it.
We’ve been doing a great job of staying together as a team. We do a lot of Zoom calls. [Dash Head Coach James Clarkson] has been great with coordinating little team events… on top of that, we do defender meetings where we clips of film and, just, reflect on the game a little bit and try to stay sharp.”
What can Dash supporters expect?
Every year that I’ve played in the NWSL, there have been new and exciting changes, both individually and as a league. I am so thankful to be with @HoustonDash at this time in my career. Big things to come for this team. We can’t wait to get back on the field!! #DashOn https://t.co/uh2D7XbRYg
— Megan Oyster (@MeganOyster) March 27, 2020
“I think I have a lot of experience at this point. Been in a lot of teams and played next to, and with, a lot of really quality players that I’ve learned from. I was just coached by [current USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski] and he taught me a few things.
I think, just bringing that experience to the back line and trying to be an organized unit back there.
I make it a goal every year to have a really low percentage of goals against, so I’m going to continue with that on this team as well.”
Winning the 2013 Women’s College Cup
“That was like the turning point in my career.
It was the first time I started consistently at UCLA and we got dealt a really tough bracket for the tournament… Florida State, North Carolina, Stanford, Virginia, all the really good teams.
It was one of those memories you’ll never forget. Went into overtime, golden goal and I was able to assist the goal. It’s something that myself and my teammates still talk about till this day.”
Biggest influences in the game growing up
“The 1999 World Cup team was huge for me. I looked up to them in so many ways. Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, all those girls were my idols. I had posters of all of them in my room.
The Chicago Fire, I used to go to those games all the time. DaMarcus Beasley, I looked up to him a lot.”
Involvement with Athletes for Hope
“I work for a non-profit called Athletes for Hope. We help connect professional athletes to charity opportunities.
It was started by some phenomenal athletes – Mia Hamm, Lance Armstrong, Andre Agassi. They wanted athletes to have a platform to give back. Once I heard that, and learned about this organization, I just reached out to them and really wanted to work for them.”
Hear the full interview below or download the podcast, available on iTunes and Google Podcasts.
“Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis” airs Tuesdays on ESPN Houston 97.5 FM (7 p.m.) and Wednesdays on The Horn 104.9 FM in Austin (7 p.m.)
