HOUSTON (March 13, 2024) – Ahead of the 2024 NWSL regular season kickoff this week, the Houston Dash have announced its roster. The team is set to face the Courage in North Carolina for the opening match of the season on Saturday, March 16.
The Dash secured two talented players from the 2024 NWSL Draft, finalizing professional contracts for them. Forward Avery Patterson, a promising talent from the University of North Carolina, committed to a three-year deal in Space City until 2026. Joining Patterson in Houston’s rookie signings is forward and Canadian international Amanda West, who scored 50 goals and tallied 31 assists in 75 appearances for the University of Pittsburgh, and is signed through the 2024 season, with a 2025 option.
During the preseason, defender Croix Soto signed a one-year contract through the 2024 season, with an option for 2025 with the club. Soto was first invited to preseason training camp by the Dash as a non-rostered invitee. Soto played with the Kansas City Current in 2023, where she made eight starts in 12 appearances.
Today, Houston announced the addition of Swedish International* Elin Rubensson* who joined the Dash via transfer from BK Häcken in the Damallsvenskan (Swedish Top Division). The midfielder won the 2023 Diamond Ball, an annual award for Sweden's best female football player, and won five Damallsvenskan league titles during her career. Swedish international has made 87 appearances at the international level, including six starts during 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Forward Paulina Gramaglia remains on loan with Red Bull Bragantino and does not occupy a roster spot.
The Dash continue to finalize the roster and there will be additional roster movements made by the club that will be announced in the coming weeks.
2024 HOUSTON DASH ROSTER (23):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Emily Alvarado, Jane Campbell, Savannah Madden
DEFENDERS (6): Allysha Chapman (ML), Madelyn Desiano, Jyllissa Harris, Natalie Jacobs, Katie Lind (excused absence), Courtney Petersen, Sarah Puntigam (INTL), Croix Soto
MIDFIELDERS (7): Andressa Alves (INTL), Belle Briede, Sophie Hirst, Elin Rubensson (INTL), Sophie Schmidt, Havana Solaun, Barbara Olivieri
FORWARDS (7): Michelle Alozie, Ryan Gareis (ML), Paulina Gramaglia (LOAN), Cece Kizer, Yuki Nagasato (INTL), Diana Ordóñez, Avery Patterson, María Sánchez, Amanda West (INTL)
