The first week of the 2016 NWSL season has come and gone. There were some shocking upsets and some, for a lack of a better word, boring games. Nothing was boring about the game that featured the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, especially for Rachel Daly as she was voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week for Week one.

Daly impresses in her pro debut

Daly, 24, had a goal and an assist on her professional debut in the Dash’s 3-1 opening weekend victory over Chicago at BBVA Compass Stadium. Her first goal of her career tied the game in the 22nd minute. She took advantage of a defensive miscue and sent a curling shot from a very difficult angle that she was able to sneak past new Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and the near post.

Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly (far left) hugs teammate Kealia Ohai after the Dash score a goal against the Chicago Red Stars | Houston Dash Twitter - @HoustonDash
Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly (far left) hugs teammate Kealia Ohai after the Dash score a goal against the Chicago Red Stars | Houston Dash Twitter - @HoustonDash

Daly sets up FIFA Women’s Player of the Year

The Harrogate, England native was not done yet. In the 51st minute, she set up the game-winning goal for midfielder Carli Lloyd. She found Lloyd with a pin point cross at the top of the six-yard box and Lloyd rewarded her efforts by scoring and giving Daly her first ever assist.

Daly also played all 90 minutes of the match and finished with three shots (one on goal). The number six selection in the first round of the 2016 NWSL College Draft showed why she was selected in the first round.

Daly and the Dash head to Florida to take on the Orlando Pride in what will be the Pride’s first ever home game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm EST at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.

The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of press that cover the league on a consistent basis. For more information on the NWSL Media Association.

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About the author
Chris Blakely
Chris is an American sports journalist based out of Seattle, Washington. Co-Editor of the soccer section of VAVEL USA. He also is the leading editor of VAVEL USA's NWSL section.