HOUSTON (Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023) – The Houston Dash have agreed to two separate trades with expansion teams Bay FC and Utah Royals FC ahead of Friday’s 2023 NWSL Expansion Draft.
“It’s never easy to part ways with players, especially those like Joelle and Cameron,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “Both players have been bright spots on the pitch and are even better people. This was a difficult decision, but I’m glad we were able to get them opportunities to return and play at home. We are truly grateful for everything they have given our club and wish them the best moving forward.”
The Dash secured draft protection from Bay FC via a trade that includes San Jose, Calif. native midfielder Joelle Anderson and $25,000 in allocation funds. Anderson was selected by Houston No. 26 overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft and joined the Dash ahead of the 2022 regular season after electing to finish her collegiate career with Pepperdine University. While with the Dash, Anderson made 15 starts in 26 appearances, scoring two goals.
“I am grateful for my time with the Dash over the past two seasons,” Anderson said. “I have grown tremendously on and off the field. This club and city will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you to the organization, all the staff and my amazing teammates for making Houston home for the last two years.”
Additionally, Houston and Utah have agreed to a trade which will send forward Cameron Tucker and $50,000 in allocation funds to Utah in exchange for expansion draft protection. Tucker joined the Dash ahead of the 2023 NWSL preseason and made two starts in 12 appearances for the team.
“I’m so thankful for the time that I spent in Houston,” Tucker said. “I was truly blessed to be around such a great group of people. Thank you to the fans and the organization for making me feel at home. I’ll forever cherish the memories and friendships I made in Houston.”
TRANSACTION: Houston Dash have received expansion draft protection from Bay FC in the upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft. In turn, Bay FC will receive midfielder Joelle Anderson and $25,000 in allocation funds. In a second trade with Utah Royals FC, Houston will receive expansion draft protection. In exchange, Utah acquires forward Cameron Tucker and $50,000 in allocation funds.
