Houston Dash 2024 report cards: Madison Ayson
(image via Houston Dash)
We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. We continue today with rookie Madison Ayson.
2024 Grade: Inc
2024 by the numbers (NWSL play)
Appearances: 1
Minutes played: 9
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
G+ per 96: 0.71
2024 in review
Madison Ayson's arrival came as a surprise. Signed as a free agent just before roster deadline day, she officially joined the squad after being part of the preseason roster. Her arrival came at a critical time in the season, when the Dash were facing a defensive crisis, with many of their regular defenders sidelined for an extended period.
Given the team’s need in the backline, one might have expected the rookie to slot in and help shore up the defense. However, Fran Alonso never gave her the chance to make her debut early in the season. It wasn't until Ricky Clarke took over that Madison made her first appearance. She got some minutes in the Summer Cup win against Pachuca and then came on during the NWSL match against Orlando Pride, when the Dash were trailing, to make her league debut.
Ayson only nine minutes of action, plus stoppage time, in league play, which hardly provided enough time to form any concrete judgment. It would be unfair to either criticize or praise her performance based on such a brief appearance, especially considering the team was struggling against a strong Orlando side, desperately trying to get back into the game. In her short time on the field, she made two tackles and blocked one shot, doing what she could with the limited opportunity.
Moment of the season
No one forgets their debut. Ayson won’t ever forget her NWSL debut against an Orlando Pride team with the likes of Marta and Barbra Banda to defend. It was only for nine minutes, but it will be a game to remember in front of her home fans.
Looking forward
Ayson signed a short-term contract, which means she'll be a free agent this offseason. Having played only nine minutes in the league and another brief appearance in Summer Cup during this entire campaign, it's unlikely she'll be re-signed. However, if Jyllissa Harris' story is any indication—having made just one appearance last year—there is a slim possibility for her to earn another chance. That said, she will face stiff competition from Harris, Tarciane, Paige Nielsen, and Natalie Jacobs to break into the Houston backline.
