The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness - Rach In The US: The Incredible Carli Lloyd, Becoming A Legend At Houston & Falling In Love With Dexi

Episode Date: June 12, 2025

What lessons did Rach learn from the great Carli Lloyd, both on and off the pitch? How did she turn the constant fear of getting cut into the motivation she needed to have a brilliant six years in Houston? How did a random player appearance lead to Rach adopting her beautiful dog Dexi? On today’s episode we’re continuing our deep dive into the 10 years that Rach spent out in America, as we also hear about the three people that had the biggest influence on her time in the States. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we get into today's episode of Daily Brighteners, we just want to say a huge thank you to our proud partners, Shaw, for being with us from the very beginning and what a start it's been. I think the reaction to our podcast so far has been nothing but positive from our family, from our friends, from our teammates, from our fans. It's been really nice to see all the positive reviews and feedback, so keep that all coming. Yeah, I also think that we've probably learned a lot about ourselves and me and Rach always talk about this podcast, you know, it's more than just us chatting, it's actually like a little therapy session.

And I've actually learned a lot about myself and I feel like it's given me the confidence to open up a little bit more and show that more vulnerable side. So, yeah, it's been really, really refreshing. And we also get to appreciate all the things that we've achieved. Rach, everything you're achieving with Villa, you know, the form at the end of the season, me getting my 200th in the WSL and talking about all our accomplishments, the hard times. Yeah, it's becoming a really nice platform actually, and I'm really enjoying

where it's going. But thank you to everyone for the amazing support. So thanks again to Shaw for showing up for Women's Football and back in the pod from day one. And thank you all for tuning in. Whether it's a family member, friend or furry companion joining your summer road trip, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with Volvo's legendary safety. During Volvo Discover Days, enjoy limited time savings as you make plans to cruise through Muscogee or down Toronto's bustling streets. From now until June 30th, lease the 2025 Volvo XC60 from 1.74% and save up to $4,000. Conditions apply.

Visit your GTA Volvo retailer or go to volvocars.ca for full details. The new BMO VI Porter MasterCard is your ticket to more. More perks. More points. More flights. More of all the things you want in a travel rewards card. And then some. Get your ticket to more with the new BMO VI Porter MasterCard and get up to $2,400 in

value in your first 13 months. Terms and conditions apply. Visit bemo.com slash VI Porter to learn more. Hey everyone, welcome to the Rest is Football Daily Brightness. This is the second part of our deep dive into Rachel's time in America, where she's gonna talk all about her time in Houston. If you've not listened to the first part, go check it out and then come back and listen to this one. Yeah, so first year at Houston earning monkey nuts.

Um... SHE LAUGHS This is when you went super skinny, it's because she couldn't afford to eat anything. Literally, gone from being an absolute unit in college to this little rake. Literally. So yeah, so obviously went to Houston, was fortunate to sign a contract my first year and I was playing like with Carly Lloyd. So she honestly is the most incredible A footballer, B athlete and C person.

So I learned so much off her. Like being captain by her my first year was sick. Her training patterns were just like wild. She just worked so hard, like did so much behind the scenes that no one really knew, but always wanted to help. So I built a really good friendship with her and connection on the pitch. But in America, like in the end of a cell,

people can just get traded. People can just get caught at any point and it's so scary. So I was obviously living thinking, well, what if I get traded? Like I've just moved here, I've got no money. Like there was no money for like helping you to move or anything like that. So I was just so scared all the time.

Like, what if I, I know you have no real stability. So that was scary, but I really enjoyed it. Like I had my first year there, the weather was amazing. Met some great people and my contract was two years. So I'd signed for two years. So did my two years there. And then it was almost just like, okay, now I'm getting picked for England again.

Like why rock the boat? Like why, what's the point rocking the boat when I'm quite settled here now? You were doing so well as well. I remember seeing, I used to see like loads of clips of you. And this is what's the point rocking the boat when I'm quite settled here now? You were doing so well as well. I remember seeing, I used to see loads of clips of you and this is what's crazy is even though you were in America, you'd always be on my timeline, like scoring goals or fainting because of the heat.

I used to see a lot of those, but you were everywhere. I remember seeing that all the time. Like Rachel Day scores again, left foot, right foot, whatever you want. Yeah, and I think that was like what I'm saying, like don't rock the boat, like I'm doing well. Is it worth the risk right now?

You've worked this whole life working to get to playing for England. Like I've made some scary, scary decisions along the way to get there. Like decisions that people won't really know. Like I say, like, I know, you know me, we're the same, we've never been about money, but equally, like I was struggling. Like I say, like, I know, you know me, we're the same. We've never been about money, but equally, like,

I was struggling. Like, I genuinely had no money. So that, it was really scary, but I just thought, you know what, stick with it, stick with it. You've come this far, like, keep going. If it comes a time where, you know, you feel like you've had enough or your work here is done, then move home.

So I ended up doing six, I want to say six and a half years in Houston, and I never got traded. I always stayed the whole time I played at one club, which was really nice for me, I liked that. I really enjoyed my time at Houston. I ended up leaving there playing more than a hundred times. I set the goal scorer record at the club.

That's incredible. Yeah, so I have great memories from there and ultimately I think put me on the path to playing for England again, which again was my absolute dream. And I really enjoyed playing with such different people as well, like different types of players.

I think that was, the team was so, so different every year. Yeah. You know, you'd get the core group of players that were staying and then you just, you just don't know who's coming. So it was a really cool place. I really enjoyed Houston. You played a lot of different positions as well.

I remember you playing like, you did up front, midfield, half back. Yeah, I played on the wing, up front. Yeah, so that was cool. And again, I think it added that dimension to my game, which allowed me to be versatile. Because I had to be super fit, I had to be really athletic, had to be versatile, you know, cause I had to be super fit, I had to be really athletic, had to be strong,

had to be powerful. And so I think that that, you know, you get the basis of being technical from being English and playing English football, but then adding that sort of athletic element to my game was something that I can, I really am thankful for from my time in America, from uni and playing professionally. Also, Dexie was from Houston.

Tell us, tell people what they want. That's so wild that you, the story of Dexie is incredible. Yeah, I don't know if everyone knows this story. So basically, I went to an appearance for Houston and it was at this like field, quite far away from me and they were set up and whatever and it was just a sign in thing. And this girl comes over with this little puppy and I'll show you the picture,

we'll put the picture of puppy Dexie in here, that exact moment that I saw her. And I was like, oh my God, you know what I was like, what? First of all, I said, can I stroke your dog? In America, do not ever say that. If you ever go to America, do not ask to stroke somebody's dog. Why? Think about the word stroke.

Oh! And what that may mean. And they were like, what? I was like, oh shit. Can I pet that dog? Can I pet that dog? So, she was like, I was like, oh my god, she's so cute. And this girl went, do you want her?

I was like, what? Like, yeah, but no. What do you mean? Was it her dog? No, so basically they'd been setting up and whatever, and they found Dexie in the field. And apparently they'd been around the houses and stuff and see if anyone's missing a dog,

but it was a common dumping ground. So in Houston, they have kill shelters. So if anything's wrong with the dog, they just put it down. So if it's got fleas, anything, they put the dog down if you take them to the shelter. And that's, I think they can like heal them quickly or whatever, it's not, it's inexpensive.

So I knew she was full of fleas of worms because she was, her belly was really full and swollen. So I knew she had worms and she was scratching a bit. So I was like, she's got fleas. She could have been in this field for ages, but she was so small. So I was like, look, I can't have a dog. I'm back and forth to England for 10 days of every month.

I travel every away game as a flight. Like I don't know enough people here that outside of football that could facilitate watching her. So I was like, I can't take her, but what I will do is take her to the vets, get her all cleaned up, pay for whatever treatment she needs on my two pound a week. No more Freddos for you.

No, fortunately I was earning enough money there to be able to take her to an out of hours vet. So I took her to the vet. I've got this little puppy in the car and took her to the vet and the vet's were like, she will be max eight weeks old. Oh my God. And I was like, oh, that's so sad. So obviously it was late at night because I'd done this appearance. So I took her to the out of hours vet, so I was like, well, do you have a shelter that you can take her to? I'll pay to get everything, all the treatment, to get deworm, defleed.

And they were like, no, we don't have facility to put her in a shelter, so you need to bring her somewhere tomorrow. So I was like, right, so I'm gonna have to take her home. So I took her home, one of the girls on the team gave me one of their little puppy beds that they weren't using, and a lot of girls really rallied around

and tried to help me get us situated for the night. And oh my God, again, I'll put the video on. The next morning, Millie, she ran, she still does the same sort of run to me now in the morning. Ran to me and I was like, you're going nowhere, mate. This is my death for life. I will figure out how to have this done. Sign sealed, delivered.

So that was it. So I kept Dexie, but honestly, after that, I was so nervous, I thought someone's going to ring me up like, that's my dog. I was like, no, no one can take her away from me now. Yeah. You couldn't exactly say I'll buy her off yet. I'll give you 10p a week. I'll trade you mate. I'll trade you for something. So that was probably the best thing that ever came out of my time in America, having a little baby Dexie. But yeah, that was it. And then I did my time at Houston.

Obviously I had to figure out how to get Dexie home. And I don't know, it's one of them. Like I don't know if I would still be playing in America now had my dad not passed away. So again, it was another one of those decisions where the only reason why I really left was I lost my dad not passed away. So again, it was another one of those decisions where the only reason why I really left was I lost my dad. And I was like, I can't be away from my family any longer. Like I've done 10 years in the States.

Which is a long time, like that's like unheard of. Like, especially when you think of America, like even like going back to you staying at Houston for like the amount of time that you did, it's very like rare. I feel like when you think of America, you feel like- A lot of people go and come back, don't they?

You get traded, you go there, you come play in Europe, you go back to America, you come there, you're changing teams, whereas I feel like you allowed, like you stayed in one place and you've become like a real household name out there. And if anyone looks at a journey that you want, I'd like to think people would say, I want the same as what Rach had out there. Like you anyone looks at a journey that you want, I'd like to think people would say, I want the same as what Rach had out there.

Like you became like a legend at Houston, set records, like you set the bar extremely high for people coming through. And as an English player, that's pretty sick, to be honest. Yeah, and I did, I feel like I created sort of a life out there and, you know, I always wanted to leave my mark there and have a little bit of a legacy over there because I spent so much time there.

I've got so much to be grateful for from everyone I met along the way and my time at both, well, all three places, really LA, New York and Houston. But ultimately, yeah, I think in my heart, I knew my time was up. Well, I'm glad you came back because I was getting tired of you being out there, so I'm going to be selfish. Yep, I'm glad you came back because I was getting tired of you being out there.

So I'm going to be selfish. Yep. I'm glad you're back. Thank God. Again, again, yeah, it was another huge decision. Like, obviously, losing my dad was the biggest factor in that. It was my nephew just been born. Like, I want to be at home now. Like, I want to settle down. I want to be at home. Yeah. I want to come home and spend my last.

And also wanted to challenge myself in the WSL. We'd just won the Euros. And I remember speaking to you before the Euros, being like, I think I'm gonna come home. And it, like, I wanna come home. We had so many conversations. So many. Yeah, so, and then that was it.

I just, Then you came back and smashed it, getting golden boot, just come back like you never left. And I was like, WSL, I'm back. That was another nerdy thing for me as well. Cause I was like, obviously I was older. And I was like, I'm back. That was another nerdy thing for me as well. Cause I was like, obviously I was older and I was like coming back to the league that I've not played in for years.

Obviously I'd watched it, I'd followed you, I'd followed all the girls, I'd followed it every week. But it's not the same as it when you're playing it. So I was like, what if I can't compete here? Like what if I'm not very good here? And yeah, it was another tough decision, but that I think was apart from, yeah, I've made some big decisions in my life, I think.

But that was such a good decision. Honestly, I'm so thankful that I came home and I did, like I've had the best few years. Everything happens for a reason. I'm a big believer in that. But listen, before we move on to our gratitudes, I just want to, maybe it's an opportunity for you to do a shout out for anyone in your time in America where they were really like influential,

like they really, really helped. And I just think stand out people where you look back and you think, God, without that person or that moment, it wouldn't have been, you know, the time that you had. Yeah, I've got quite a few to be fair. I might miss some people out, but I'm gonna go through a few. So first one is my coach at uni in New York, Ian Stone. He's an English guy,

puts his absolute life and soul into St. John's program. He is literally one of the best people ever. He's still there now. I met up with him over Christmas while I was there. And just a big, big, like a big influential character in my career because you know me, like back then I was so like hot-headed and fiery. Like everything pissed me off.

Like if I did a bad touch, it was like, oh, worst player in the world. Oh darling, you are still hot-headed. You are still hot-headed. I had to learn a lot. Like I had to really calm down and like. You have calmed, you've calmed a lot, but you still hot headed.

Not get so angry at myself. I think everyone thought I was an actual psychopath. So Ian, yeah, big legend. And then Dave, so Dave obviously is my best guy, mate. He's a ledge. Yeah, he really is, but he was there for me through a lot of like really difficult times.

And he was so good in my career as well. So alongside being the closest person to me there, he made such an impact in my career. He picked out all my weaknesses, things that I needed to improve on in my game, mentally, technically, physically. And he worked and worked and worked on making me the best that I could be. So I couldn't thank him enough. Shout out, Davo. Yeah, so I think that most of the people are involved in football, but this one, my friend, Emily. So she was in my year at uni

and honestly got me through that first year. She was my best mate in uni. All of my fondest memories come from being with Emily. So yeah, shout out to her. It's so funny because we're such different people. Like the polar opposite person, but we got on so well. Like a house on fire. Couldn't have done that without her.

So shout out to Emily. Shout out, Ems. There's so many more that I could say. There's so many more people that I could say, but. That's nice though, just a little trip down memory lane. We'll go with those three for now and then. Yeah, just thought it'd be nice to give a little appreciation. Yeah, that was nice. Right, time to take a quick break.

We'll be back in a second. At Desjardins Insurance, we know that when you're a building contractor, your company's foundation needs to be strong. That's why our agents go the extra mile to understand your business and provide tailored solutions for all its unique needs. You put your heart into your company, so we put our heart into making sure it's protected. Get insurance that's really big on care.

Find an agent today at Desjardins.com slash business coverage. Fandual Casino's exclusive live dealer studio has your chance at the number one feeling, winning, which beats even the 27th best feeling saying I do. Who wants this last parachute? I do. Enjoy the number one feeling, winning in an exciting live dealer studio, exclusively on FanDuel Casino, where winning is undefeated.

19 plus and physically located in Ontario. Gambling problem? Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit connectsontario.ca. Please play responsibly. No Frills delivers. Get groceries delivered to your door from No Frills with PC Express. Shop online and get $15 in PC Optimum Points on your first five orders. Shop now at nofrills.ca. Onto our favourite part of the pod.

You need to talk about your gratitude because I'm all talked out. Okay, shall I do all talked out. Okay, shall I do all three first and then you go? Yeah, sure. Okay, my first gratitude, I feel like mine are always similar but I just think like my circle of people, I think obviously it's been a really tough time and getting surgery and just a little bit of like the unknown I think. Having a circle of people around you, just like giving you that reassurance, just knowing when you need that little bit of support and knowing what you need. Like you know when you don't know what you need yourself and like you're just a bit scrambled and

people around you know what you need and just get you through those moments. I'd say yeah, and you know me, I'm frustrated when I can't do what I want to do. And obviously getting my surgery has really restricted me in that sense and yeah, my summer looks a lot different because of it. So I'd say my circle of people, you all know who you are. Lots of love. My second one, my second gratitude, my weighted blanket. Oh, nice. My mum bought me that and it's actually- It's good for anxiety, that, isn't it?

Yeah, weighted blankets, really good for like anxiety, just making you like decompress. And every night, like I've really been struggling to sleep at minute. And when I put that on, it's meant to make you just like go, ah, and just sing. So yeah, my gratitude is, my second one is my weighted blanket.

I'll let you go while I think I'm a third. So this is so cute, right? So basically, I don't know if it was last week or the week before, my mum texted me out of the blue and said, I'm't know if it was last week or the week before, my mum text me out the blue and said, I'm going to send you a song, one of my, one song that I love every day from whatever era. And I want you to put it in a playlist for me. Aww. Lulu.

So every single day she has sent me a song and it could be from now, the 60s, the 70s, whatever. And she, the only thing she asked me to do is put it in a playlist and listen to it. So every day I get a song from my mom and it's just so sweet. Cause like it takes me, so some I don't know. And then some that she sends like,

I love because she loves, you know what I mean? That is so cute. That's actually making me tear up. Yeah, so I'm very grateful for that. And at the end of every day, I put it on, on my speaker in my room before I go to bed and have a little dance to it.

So grateful for my mum doing that. And I guess music, because it's amazing. Ah, music is the best. Just put your speaker on, blast it out. It's mad how it just takes you to a place sometimes, isn't it? Do you know, I was reading this though, I was reading this though. I was reading this the other day that certain people

can connect with music on a different level. Like some people just listen to music, but like some people really listen to music and like you genuinely feel like what the lyrics are saying. It's like, yeah, they were saying- I feel like I do that. I feel like I always listen to lyrics. Yeah, like goosebumps or like in a certain moment,

I'll definitely want like a certain, I think I am actually addicted to music. I can't go without it. Yeah, same. My mom sent me last night, it was so cute because I went to an appearance at House of Parliament. Yeah. And my mom texted me saying,

I'm so proud of you, a really nice, cute message. How proud she was. And then the song that she chose was Proud by Heather Small. Nah, that is so cute. Nicky B, where's my songs, darling? Yeah, get on it. That's actually leading into my third gratitude is, you know, you can do like the voice notes, but you can do video, like mini videos.

So obviously, you know my dad, he hates technology. He is not the best at texting, not the best in the groups. He doesn't reply ever. Dad, reply. Unless I'm removing you. So I made a group, obviously my mom, my sisters and my dad, and just like a fun way of us like trying to interact and, um, just like stay a little bit connected. Obviously when we're all so far apart,

everyone's just getting on with life. And so every day I've been sending in like a little video note, but I do like a karaoke and I do all like our favorite songs. So like the other day I was like, dad, this one's for you. And like his favorite song is Glamorous by Fergie. I know you wouldn't expect it would you? But yeah, we have like a little dance that we do together

and then I did one for mom and Tory and Amy and then I make them send them back which they're terrible at. So guys, you need to be better at karaoke video notes but it's just like a really nice thing. And the memories, I'm big on making memories. I love that. Yeah, for sure.

It's a good way of keeping, I think it's just keeping connected. Yeah. Which actually leads me on to the next one. I am grateful, right, and she goes under the radar, but our agent, Sue. Suzy Cakes. Actually, where are the cakes? Suzy Cakes needs a shout out because honestly, that woman deserves a medal. Like, for anyone that hasn't met Sue along our journey, get to know because honestly,

how we would survive our daily lives without Sue is, yeah, we wouldn't be here. Suzie Cakes, you deserve the biggest shout out today. And yeah, I think she's just incredible. She does an insane amount of work for us, doesn't she? She does. Just to keep us alive, really. Yeah, we'd be in the gutter.

We'd be homeless. We'd have no money. We'd be eating Freddo's off the floor. We'd probably do that anyway. And we'd be in the gutter. So, Suzy Cakes, I agree with that. I think that's the best gratitude of today's episode. I'm keeping it as two because I think Suzy Cakes deserves

my last two because she's Susie Cakes deserves my last two because she's me and you. So. She is. And please can we have some of those amazing cakes that you bake please, cause they're tasty. Oh, please. And we like them.

But I think that's it for today's episode guys. Thank you so much. As always keep subscribing, keep pushing the pod out there and we hope you're enjoying listening to me and Rach waffle on. Yeah, I really did waffle today, but hopefully my journey through memory lane was a good one for all you guys wanting to know about America and my life there. So thanks for listening. Just a reminder, keep getting your questions in.

Our email is dailybrightness at goalhanger.com or you can use the hashtag daily brightness on all socials. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.