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Houston Dash defender Niki Cross has announced her retirement from the National Women's Soccer League. She has played professional soccer for eight year.
Cross was acquired in a trade with the Washington Spirit this offseason. Cross has played in every match for the Houston Dash this season. Cross' final match with the team will be August 1 and her final home match will come Wednesday night against FC Kansas City.
"For a player that's only been here such a short time, Niki's brought more than I could have asked from anybody," head coach Randy Waldrum said via release. "She was going to retire but she decided it was the right thing to do to help us through the World Cup, and we'll forever be indebted to her. We wouldn't be where we are this season without her. All of the Dynamo and Dash organization, our fans and the Houston community really owe her a big round of applause and debt of gratitude for what she's done for us this year."
The Dash will honor Cross following tonight's home match vs. FC Kansas City.