Lloyd’s return fosters optimism

For one night in April, the Dash looked like they might be able to take on the best of the National Women’s Soccer League, thanks in large part to the presence of Carli Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year.

Lloyd scored the winning goal as the Dash defeated 2015 playoff qualifier Chicago 3-1. But early in the second game, Lloyd, 34, who plays forward for the Dash, injured her knee. The Dash never looked the same after that.

They have tumbled from the top of the standings to one spot above the bottom. They cling to thin playoff hopes.

More than five months and 14 games later, Lloyd has returned to the team following rehabilitation of her injury and the Olympics. She will be available when the Dash take on the Boston Breakers in Massachusetts at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Boston (3-11-1) is the only team below the Dash (3-8-4) in the standings.

Rookie forward Rachel Daly last month tied Lloyd’s club record by scoring goals in three consecutive games. In the season opener, Daly scored and assisted on Lloyd’s goal, so she knows how valuable the U.S. national team captain can be.

“It is huge for us,” Daly said. “She is an absolutely fantastic player. Her character is something that we definitely missed. Her presence will carry us through a lot of these remaining games.”

Lloyd returned to the field with the national team July 9 for a pre-Olympic friendly against South Africa. Two weeks later, she scored a goal in the women’s exhibition against Costa Rica.

Lloyd went on to score two goals in the group stage of the Olympics. The team was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

On Monday morning, Lloyd said she is ready for any role coach Randy Waldrum asks her to fill — whether that’s starting or coming off the bench.

That role could change from game to game just like it could for the other players. The team has four games in 12 days, so fielding a fresh lineup each day will be a challenge.

The most important factor is Lloyd’s return makes the Dash feel like they are at full strength.

“I think she will be eager to get back on the field,” Waldrum said. “The key now is since she’s back, it looks like she will be here the rest of the way. We’ll need her experience in this push to try to get as many wins as we can in these five games. I am really excited about her being back and looking forward to watching her Wednesday.”

Corey Roepken is a freelance writer.