:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46314354/TIS_3145.0.0.jpg)
As the Houston Dash's defense woes continue, the team announced Monday it has made a move to acquire defender Toni Pressley from the Western New York in exchange for midfielder Ashley Nick.
The 25-year-old Pressley started and played a full 90 minutes in the Flash's opening night defeat against Seattle Reign FC April 12. She has played in 17 matches with 16 starts in the two seasons she was with the Washington Spirit before she was traded to Western New York in the 2015 offseason.
In a press release from the club, head coach Randy Waldrum said, "Our biggest problem early on has been defensively and getting it organized. As much as I hate to give Ashley up, because we traded for her and she was in our plans to help in midfield, we just felt like it was one of those things we had to do defensively."
A native of Melbourne, Florida, Pressley has represented the United States at the U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-23 levels, and was part of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup team in 2010. At Florida State, Pressley finished with the third-most appearances in program history, totally 96. She was an All-ACC First Team selection in 2010. After college, she joined Russian club Ryazan VDV, tallying 20 matches in the 2012-13 season. She then signed with the Washington Spirit prior to the inaugural NWSL season in 2013.
"I had Toni with the U-23s, and she's finally healthy now after a layoff last season with some injuries. We certainly can use the help in the back, so we're extremely excited to get her," Waldrum added.
Ashely Nick, 27, was picked up by the Dash via a trade following the 2014 season. The veteran midfielder appeared in three matches for the Dash, starting twice.