The Houston Dash have named Omar Morales interim head coach for the remainder of the season, the club announced today.

“This is something you dream of when you get into coaching,” Morales said. “I learned a lot from my first game on the sideline, and as the head coach a lot of responsibility falls on you. You take everything in and learn to manage the game at this level. Other than that, its soccer.”

The El Paso native is the first Latino coach in league history. Morales is the second man to serve as head coach of the Dash after joining the coaching staff in March as the first full-time assistant coach for the club.

The West Texas A&M alumnus coached his first game in charge of the team last Saturday at the Maryland SoccerPlex prior to the international break for the FIFA window. The former Eastern New Mexico head coach will make his debut at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 17 as the Dash welcome Alex Morgan, Marta and the Orlando Pride. Two-time World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd is expected to make her return to the Dash in that game, and the Dash expect to have their full complement of players available for selection.