Houston Dash announces roster moves with eye toward 2023 season

On Tuesday evening, the Houston Dash announced its roster decisions following the 2022 NWSL season.

The headline news was that the Texas NWSL club had exercised the option to make forward Paulina Gramaglia's transfer permanent. The Argentine wonder-kid had been on loan from Argentinian club UAI Urquiza for the 2022 season. 

Gramaglia only made one solitary substitute appearance during the 2022 NWSL season but made history by becoming the youngest-ever player in Dash history when she came on as a substitute against the Chicago Red Stars. During her cameo in that 4-1 victory, the 19-year-old was involved in the build-up to Houston's fourth goal.

This November, Gramaglia was called up to the Argentina senior national team for the first time in her career. She is considered to be one of the most talented young players in South America, if not the world, for her age group. 

The Dash exercised the contract options for two other players, goalkeeper Ella Dederick and midfielder Marisa Viggiano. Forward Valerie Gauvin, who arrived midway through the 2022 season via trade, did not have the option year on her contract exercised.

Midfielders Elizabeth Eddy and Cali Farquharson have not signed new contracts with the Dash and therefore both become free agents due to the number of years of experience they have in the NWSL.

Other out-of-contract players, who have not accumulated six years of NWSL experience, will have their playing rights retained by the Dash until they are waived or traded. At this time, Houston can continue to negotiate a new deal with these players. 

Forwards Michelle Alozie and Michaela Abam; midfielders Makamae Gomera-Stevens, Kelcie Hedge, Emily Ogle, and defenders Ally Prisock, Annika Schmidt, and Natalie Jacobs are all a part of this cohort. The Dash confirmed via a statement that "select players" from this group are currently in contract negotiations to return to Houston for the 2023 season. 

Alternatively, goalkeeper Lindsey Harris, defender Tierrny Wiltshire, and midfielder Bri Visalli were all confirmed to be out of contract and not returning to the Dash for the 2023 season. Harris and Visalli both were members of the Houston team that won the 2020 Challenge Cup. As fan favorites, who connected with the community during the club's most successful spell, their departures will be felt significantly.

“Each player on this roster played a key role in the club's most successful season to date,” general manager Alex Singer said. “I want to commend and thank each of the players for their contributions, and we wish those that won't continue with us good luck with their next opportunities. Looking forward, the goal is to retain our core and continue our momentum, building into 2023.” 

November 15 marked the NWSL's deadline for roster updates and the official start of free agency. On November 16 the waiver wire will open, and then on November 17, the trade window will open up.

Ahead of today's deadline, club co-captain Katie Naughton had already penned a multi-year extension with the Dash until 2025. Canadian duo Allysha Chapman and Sophie Schmidt, who had been set to hit the free agency market, also signed extensions a few weeks ago. 

You can find all the latest roster updates as we get them on our live-article roster tracker. 

2023 Houston Dash Roster (15):  

GOALKEEPERS (2): Jane Campbell, Ella Dederick

DEFENDERS (4): Julia Ashley, Katie Naughton, Caprice Dydasco, Allysha Chapman

MIDFIELDERS (3): Shea Groom, Marisa Viggiano, Sophie Schmidt

FORWARDS (6): Joelle Anderson, Nichelle Prince, María Sánchez, Ryan Gareis, Ebony Salmon, Paulina Gramaglia 

BOOKMARK: 2023 Houston Dash offseason roster tracker