Dash interested but not yet serious about acquiring Mallory Pugh

Recommended Video:

The NWSL faces a critical moment when it comes to Mallory Pugh staying or going. At this point the Dash are not major players in keeping her in the United States.

Already with four goals in 20 appearances with the U.S. national team as a 19-year old, Pugh is the country's brightest rising star. The forward recently left UCLA to pursue a professional career.

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl reported Wednesday night the Dash are among the teams interested in acquiring Pugh. Dash coach Randy Waldrum said he and president Chris Canetti have had discussions about it but that none of the discussions have been serious.

"We have an interest, but we have made no overtures one way or the other," Waldrum said.

Wahl also reported Wednesday night UEFA Women's Champions League finalist Paris Saint-Germain has offered Pugh a contract but that Pugh would prefer to stay in the United States.

If Pugh did not care which NWSL team she played for, she already would have joined the Washington Spirit because the Spirit are No. 1 in the allocation order.

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 09: Mallory Pugh #2 of the U.S. takes a shot on goal in the first half against Russia during the International Friendly soccer match at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 9, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) less HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 09: Mallory Pugh #2 of the U.S. takes a shot on goal in the first half against Russia during the International Friendly soccer match at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 9, 2017 in Houston, ... more Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Dash interested but not yet serious about acquiring Mallory Pugh 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

According to Wahl, Pugh does not want to play in Washington and would rather play for Portland Thorns FC. He added that Washington owner Bill Lynch does not want to trade Pugh's rights to Portland because he still is bitter about Portland coach Mark Parsons leaving Washington in September 2015.

Although the Dash are not in serious discussions with Washington right now, Waldrum said the door is not closed.

"It could change, and it could change in the next 48 hours," Waldrum said. "I know she supposedly is slated to be going to Europe to talk to the teams there.

"I have heard so many conflicting stories about Washington. The ball is in their court. They are the ones who have to make the deal. If they don't want to make the deal then where does that leave everybody else? It really is going to depend on Washington handles it."

If Washington offered the Dash a trade it likely would ask for one or two major players such as Morgan Brian, Kealia Ohai, Janine Beckie or Rachel Daly in return. Waldrum said he is not ready to do that because he is confident in the group he has now.

He and others believe the Dash finally are in a great spot to contend for the playoffs. After some on- and off-field struggles in the first three seasons, it may be too big a risk to shake things up yet again.

"We wouldn't break up what we've been building the last couple of years," Waldrum said. "It just wouldn't make sense. All that will be contingent on what the ask would be if we ever got to that point. We haven't been approached about that. We haven't put any kind of an offer on it. It is all just conversations right now."