Houston Dynamo 2024 player report cards: Sophie Schmidt

(image via Houston Dash)

We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. Today we look at veteran Sophie Schmidt.

2024 Grade: B

2024 by the numbers (NWSL play)

Appearances: 23
Minutes played: 1832
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
G+ per 96: -0.01

2024 in review

(via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)

You might think that turning 36 years old would slow a player down, but that isn’t the case for Sophie Schmidt. The Dash stalwart put in another season where she played well over 1500 minutes, anchoring the Houston midfield and even playing center back when needed.

Schmidt’s defensive actions still rank among the best in the world, even in what some may consider the twilight of her career. The former Canadian international wasn’t on the ball as much this season as the Dash went through multiple schemes under multiple coaches.

Her versatility and willingness to play in the back line when the Dash were going through injuries and defensive woes shows the kind of player and leader Schmidt is. Her 6th season back in Houston may not have gone as planned, but Schmidt was a steadying hand amidst it all.

Moment of the season

The Dash lost 3-1 to the Washington Spirit on April 12 but Schmidt got the start at center back and put in a shift. She had a remarkable 103 touches and attempted 92 passes, completing 78 of them. Even from the backline, Schmidt showed she can still run the show.

Looking forward

Although she retired from the Canadian National Team, Schmidt is continuing her club career. She agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Dash in October that will keep her in Houston through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. Schmidt will be tasked with being one of the veteran leaders as the club undergoes massive changes, once again, this offseason.