In a move that likely clears the way for her to move back to Europe, the Dash have waived midfielder Denise O'Sullivan.

Seeking more playing time ahead of upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, O'Sullivan requested to be released. The 23-year old from Cork, Ireland has received offers from clubs in England, Germany and Scotland.

An occasional starter and top-choice sub under former coach Randy Waldrum, O'Sullivan saw her role change under interim coach Omar Morales.

Her last start was June 3 in the first game following Waldrum's firing. She has appeared in five of six games since then, totaling only 17 minutes. Her last two appearances were one minute each. She did not dress for Saturday's game against Boston.

Morales has picked Caity Heap over O'Sullivan as the first attacking midfield sub in the last five games.

"Coaches are different," O'Sullivan said. "They like different players. (Morales) obviously preferred other players over me. I totally respect that, but I have to look out for myself, too. I am trying to get better. I don't think just playing five minutes is getting me anywhere right now."

Photo: Juan DeLeon, FRE Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Staff

She said she noticed her lack of playing time affecting her fitness when she played a friendly against Scotland on July 7. She said did not feel like herself and that she realized if she is going to be ready for World Cup Qualifying in September, she needs to play on a regular basis.

Ireland has never qualified for the World Cup, so helping the team get there is a big deal for O'Sullivan. She has more than 50 caps with Ireland since making her debut in 2011. In 2015, she was named the team's International Player of the Year.

The Dash signed O'Sullivan in May 2016. They paid a modest transfer fee to Glasgow City FC, making her the first player in Scottish Women's Premier League history to be sold.

She hit the ground running in Houston, proving herself as a capable player from the start. She was a key player last summer when seven Dash players were away for the Olympics.

O'Sullivan started 14 of her 18 appearances in 2016. She had two goals and three assists. She said she'll look back fondly on her time with the Dash.

"I have made a lot of new friends," O'Sullivan said. "That is one of the most important things. I've made relationships that are going to last forever. I'm going to miss that."