“You’ll be ok. You got this.” This is what Abby Smith told herself on August 20, 2024, writing a message to her future self. Having last played for NJ/NY Gotham FC during a 2–1 loss to the San Diego Wave on June 29, 2023, the American goalkeeper had since been on a journey through depths that hardly made sense, desperately seeking clarity. But who would’ve thought that her patience would pay off in such a way—not only finding peace and drive but also making her return to the pitch straight in 2025, that too, donning the shirt of Houston Dash?

Good for her, but it raises the question—what exactly happened during those two years that led to Abby missing out on action for such a long time?

Why did Abby Smith miss such a lengthy NWSL action?

Well, as obvious as the answer could get, one can blame injury for this. Unfortunately, the clash against San Diego saw her sustain a season-ending injury. This only created a problem not just for Gotham but even for Smith, who was required to undergo a tough recovery process to even make such a comeback.

She even shared glimpses of her road to recovery in the earlier Instagram post. Despite facing tough challenges both physically and mentally, the latter managed to retain a balance. “One very full year of demoralizing, challenging, and enlightening aspects of this dang injury. Thankful for my circle for helping me get back to me!” she told herself to remain motivated.

The Portland, Oregon native didn’t see action for almost a year until the 31-year-old was called up for the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup Final against KC Current. Gotham had endured a 2-0 defeat to the Kansas side but it wasn’t Abby Smith who conceded these goals. It was Cassie Miller, who failed to deny Temwa Chawinga’s brace.

Even though there was not much time left on the clock, the last five minutes of injury time to be precise, head coach Juan Carlos Amorós still decided to bring on Smith for Miller. That, ladies and gentlemen was the only appearance that the former Texas Longhorns star made in 2024. As for her NWSL return, well that was still impending.

While Abby thought she would make the most of the 2025 season, fate took an unfortunate twist! That’s because, in her absence, the Bats decided to put all of their money on Mandy McGlynn. That gamble proved favorable, as they secured the 2023 NWSL Championship. In the end, a call was made by Gotham to offload their veteran goalie.

They had traded Smith to the Houston Dash in exchange for $20,000 in intra-league transfer funds on January 17. But that doesn’t mean she never had an impact on the team. One can praise the former Utah Royals and Kansas City star for her impressive 2023 campaign before getting injured. Aside from making 15 regular season appearances, she registered 45 saves and four clean sheets.

While maintaining a 1.00 goals-against average, Abby also earned Save of the Week honors in Weeks 4, 5, 10, 14, and 15, and received a nomination for the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Award. So it wasn’t completely a dim stint for her at Gotham. But just as they, one door closes, another one opens up, surely fate had something better waiting for Smith.

Has Abby Smith unlocked her key to success at Houston Dash?

Too early to even talk about this eh? Well, yes, we know. But one has to admit how remarkable it is of both Abby Smith and Houston Dash making things work for each other. And Sunday night’s Matchday 8 clash against Seattle Reign was just a perfect testament to this fact. That’s because the American goalie who never earned a single international cap guided her side to an emphatic win at an away ground.

Dash secured a narrow win over the Reign at Lumen Field, thanks to an hour-mark strike from rookie Maggie Graham. Despite taking six shots and one being on target, Smith was able to cement her status as a more dominant goalie on the pitch. One may call it a lucky win for the Houston side but one can’t steal the spotlight from Smith, who made her NWSL return after almost a two-year absence.

For the last opening seven matches, it was Jane Campbell starting in the No. 1 spot for Dash. However, that has seen the 30-year-old American goalie concede 10 goals. Perhaps head coach Fabrice Gautrat thought it was a perfect time to make this change, ergo Abby finally making her NWSL return.

Who knows? Having made quite an impression in her first Houston Dash appearance, we may see more of Abby Smith in future games. Regardless, share your views in the comments.