2016 NWSL Draft: Houston takes Cari Roccaro with the fifth pick

The Houston Dash kicked off their 2016 NWSL Draft by taking a center back out of Notre Dame. Cari Raccaro is a versatile player who has played as a forward, midfielder and a defender while at Notre Dame. She has spent most of her time playing in the center of the defense.

She had 16 goals and four assists during her time at Notre Dame. The New York native was the Big East Rookie of the Year her Freshman year of college. Roccaro has played for the United States as a member of the U-15, U-17, U-18, and U-20 national youth teams. She is currently recovering from injury and won't be available to play for 4-6 month.

The Dash have struggled on defense and need to add long term solutions to the roster. The Houston Dash have the fifth, sixth and eighth picks of the 2016 Draft. The team finished fifth overall in 2015.