IRELAND striker Stephanie Roche has joined US National Women’s Soccer League club Houston Dash.
The FIFA Puskás Award runner-up came to international attention when her stunning goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths went viral last year.
The goal was shortlisted in the top three for FIFA’s annual goal of the year award, alongside eventual winner James Rodríguez of Real Madrid, and Manchester United’s Robin van Persie.
The 25-year-old Dubliner, who has been capped 35 times for Ireland, left French club ASPTT Albi in January, after joining last summer.
JUST IN: Dash sign Irish international forward Stephanie Roche --> http://t.co/Jkbk3AUSmj #DashOn pic.twitter.com/BxSqPYjRX8
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) February 18, 2015
She will become the first Irish player to play in the top women’s Division in the US when she departs for Texas next month for pre-season training.
On the club’s official website, Houston Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said he was pleased with their new signing: “I am so excited about the signing of Stephanie, we are getting a player that has great technical ability, a superb left foot, and possibly the best goalscorer to come out of Ireland since Olivia O’Toole.”
“Stephanie will bring a wealth of international experience to our team and another great attacking option that is different from what we have already. All our Dash fans and fans of women’s soccer in general will be excited about this signing,” said Waldrum.
Houston Dash kick-off their season against the Washington Spirit on April 10.
