Carli Lloyd expected to rejoin Dash next week

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Carli Lloyd is taking an extended break from the Houston Dash, which includes missing Saturday's road game against the Western New York Flash.

Dash coach Randy Waldrum on Tuesday morning said Lloyd, the United States Women's National Team captain, told him she will rejoin the club Monday. That is 17 days after the Americans were eliminated in the Olympic quarterfinals.

Morgan Brian said she will be available for the Dash on Saturday, and Waldrum said she will be considered for the lineup if she feels fine during training on Thursday. Brian played every minute of the Americans' four-game run in Brazil and returned to Dash training on Tuesday.

Brian and Lloyd missed the Dash's game against Washington last week, which came six days after the quarterfinal . Fellow USWNT player Ali Krieger started that game for Washington.

Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year, injured her knee in Houston's second regular season game and missed the next 10 games leading up to the NWSL's Olympic break. Brian dealt with injuries to both hamstrings before the Olympic break and was in and out of the lineup.

Dash goalkeeper Lydia Williams played for Australia in the Olympics and returned to Houston last week. Wiliams will be available on Saturday.

Canadian Olympians Janine Beckie and Allysha Chapman along with Brazilian Olympians Andressa and Poliana are expected to return to the Dash later this week. They played against one another in the bronze medal game on Friday.

Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd chases the ball during the first half of National Women's Soccer League game action at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, in Houston. Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd chases the ball during the first half of National Women's Soccer League game action at BBVA Compass Stadium Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, in Houston. Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Carli Lloyd expected to rejoin Dash next week 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Corey Roepken is a freelance writer.