Dash's Carli Lloyd says absence 'none of anyone's business'

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Carli Lloyd finally returned to Houston and her Dash teammates Monday morning, citing a personal commitment "that really is none of anyone's business" for her extended absence.

Lloyd, the captain of the United States Women's National Team, took a 17-day break after the Olympic team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Fifteen of the 17 USWNT players on the Olympic roster who play in the NWSL played for their clubs last weekend.

Only Lloyd and Hope Solo, who announced a leave of absence from Seattle Reign FC after being suspended from the national team, were not available. Lloyd will be available to play in Wednesday's road game against the Boston Breakers.

On Aug. 17, five nights after the Olympic elimination and the night before the Dash played a home game against the Washington Spirit, Lloyd posted multiple photos on Twitter of her and friends attending a concert in New York.

On Monday she wanted to keep other details of what she did during those 17 days private.

"Actually, as we all know, our schedules are not drawn out a year ahead of time," Lloyd said. "The NWSL (schedule), I believe, came out in late February. So I have had a personal commitment that really is none of anyone's business, that was scheduled in the beginning of the year. Obviously, you knew the Olympic schedule window. That's that.

"It has been preapproved, went through all the channels. I've sacrificed my life to the game of soccer. I've never missed a game, I think except for one time in 2013 for something personal. So I have sacrificed just like everybody else on this field. I am getting married this year. It is impossible to plan your life. There is really nothing else to talk about other than I am here and ready to go, ready to finish out five more games."

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Carli Lloyd, left, saw her first action since April in a friendly against South Africa before the Olympics. Carli Lloyd, left, saw her first action since April in a friendly against South Africa before the Olympics. Photo: Nam Y. Huh, STF Photo: Nam Y. Huh, STF Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Dash's Carli Lloyd says absence 'none of anyone's business' 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

During the absence Lloyd and her agent did plan a book signing tour that begins the day after the conclusion of the NWSL regular season. The tour begins with stops in New York and New Jersey on Sept. 26. It also has stops in New Jersey on Sept. 29, Kansas City on Oct. 2 and California on Oct. 6.

On Monday, Lloyd was asked what would happen to the tour if the Dash make the playoffs, which at this point is slim.

"It was not finalized until they saw everything pan out," she said. "That's a question you can talk to my agent about."

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Wednesday's game could be Lloyd's third appearance with the Dash this season. She started the season opener and scored one of three goals as the Dash's attack looked especially potent. Early in the second game, Lloyd injured her knee and took necessary precaution to make sure she was healthy and fit in time for the Olympics.

Without Lloyd in the lineup, the Dash attack has suffered. At one point the team went six consecutive games without scoring a goal.

On Monday, she said she is happy to be back with the Dash and is looking forward to rest of the season even though the team's playoff hopes are bleak.

"I think we all know what the standings look like," Lloyd said. "We all know the NWSL can go many different ways. For us it is all about finishing strong. We have five games left. Ideally it would be great to get points from all five of those games. We are definitely capable of that."

Corey Roepken is a freelance writer.