Dash adds Brazilian midfielder to roster

The Houston Dash announced Monday they have signed Brazilian midfielder Andressa. The 20-year-old recently started in all four matches for the Brazilian Women's National Team at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. During the tournament, she notched an assist in her country's 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the end of the group stage and earned Player of the Match honors.

Andressa also started all five of Brazil's matches during the Pan American Games in Toronto, helping her country claim the gold medal.

"I think we’ve signed one of the up-and-coming stars of the game out of Brazil," Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. "With her we’ve added a really, really talented young player that already has a wealth of experience at the international level. Like with all of our other international players, it’s just a matter of how quickly she can adapt to the American game."

During her international career, the midfielder has tallied 21 caps and scored one goal at the senior level. As a 15-year-old, she started all four matches in the 2010 FIFA U-17 WOmen's World Cup and wore the captain's band at the 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup and the 2014 U-20 Women's World Cup.

A Roque Gonzales, Brazil, native, Andressa played along Dash teammate Camila at the club level in Brazil for Kindermann. In league and cup competitions from 2012-14, the midfielder appeared in 28 matches with 26 starts and scored a total of 10 goals.

To make room on the 20-player roster, Houston has waived defender Carleigh Williams. Williams, a fourth-round draft pick (No. 31 overall) at the 2015 NWSL College Draft, made two appearances (one start) for the Dash this season.

The Houston Dash are set to take on FC Kansas City Wednesday, July 29 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.