Dash adds to defense ranks

The Houston Dash continue their off-season moves as they announce the team's acquisition of Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams. She will join the roster pending receipt of her International Transfer Certificate.

The keeper comes to Houston from Canberra United in the Westfield W-League, a club she has been a part of since 2015. The 27-year-old was previously among the ranks of Canberra United during the team's first season in 2008, again from 2009-12, and from 2013-14.

"I'm very excited to acquire Lydia as she brings a wealth of international experience to our squad. She has played in the NWSL, so she understands what playing in this league is all about," Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. "With the addition of Lydia and our recent draft picks, we've had a very exciting week."

In the 2015-2016 season for Canberra United, Williams started nine of 12 games, allowing only seven goals and registering six clean sheets. The Australian has also done a stint with the Western New York Flash and spent time with the Washington Spirit in 2014. Williams, a dual-citizen of Australia and the United States, will not claim one of the Dash's international spots.

The keeper notched her debut for the senior Australian women's national team in 2006 when she was just 18, and has since tallied 46 caps for the Matildas. In last year's Women's World Cup, Williams earned the starting spot in four of Australia's matches and claimed two clean sheets.

"Her ability to lead a quality international team like Australia from the back is very attractive to us as we look to improve on our fifth place finish from last season," Dash goalkeeper coach Tom Brown said. "She had a solid [2015 FIFA Women’s] World Cup which included a fantastic save against Brazil that helped Australia advance in the tournament."

Williams' career also includes appearances in the 2006 and 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament, where Australia won the championship in 2010 and finished second in 2006.

STATS: 
LYDIA WILLIAMS
Full name: Lydia Grace Yilkari Williams
Position: Goalkeeper
International: Australia and U.S.
Date of Birth: May 13, 1988
Birthplace: Katanning, Australia
Height: 5’9"
Previous club: Canberra United (Australia)