Houston Dash announce 2016 Roster

With the first match of the 2016 set to take place on Saturday, the Houston Dash have officially released their roster for the beginning of the regular season play. With 19 of the 20 spots filled and the announcement of the roster, it’s safe to say that fans will be happy seeing some of the new comers and some of the regular fan favorites.

The team has a 19-player roster which includes Dash’s 2016 College Draft first-round picks Janine Beckie, Rachel Daly, and Cari Roccaro. Also on the roster are a handful of international players from the United States Women’s Soccer Team, Australian Women’s National Team, Brazilian Women’s National Team, Canadian Women’s National Team, Irish Women’s National Team, and Mexican Women’s National Team.

The roster is as follows-

Goalkeepers (2): Bianca Henninger, Lydia Williams
Defenders (6): Ellie Brush (INT’L-AUS), Allysha Chapman (FP-CAN), Rebecca Moros, Stephanie Oches, Poliana (INT’L-BRA), Cari Roccaro*
Midfielders (5): Andressa (INT’L-BRA), Morgan Brian (FP-USA), Amber Brooks, Carli Lloyd (FP-USA), Cami Privett
Forwards (6): Janine Beckie* (FP-CAN), Rachel Daly* (INT’L-ENG), Melissa Henderson, Kealia Ohai, Denise O’Sullivan** (INT’L-IRE), Chioma Ubogagu

Total Federation Players (FP): 4
Total International Roster Spots (INT’L): 5
* 2016 NWSL College Draft pick: 3
** Pending ITC and P1-Visa: 1

As you’ll probably notice, there are 12 names missing from the end of the 2015 season, which is a notably high turnover, but with this young roster there is no doubt that Coach Randy Waldrum has the team that he’s envisioned from the start of the organization. Waldrum has been the coach since their inaugural season and is the first coach in Houston Dash history.

Though young, Houston’s roster is extremely talented. It’s arguable that fans will see the best chemistry and most talented players that the Dash have ever had during their 2016 campaign. With the preseason games proving a point, Houston is ready to roll and make a statement this season.

With five players filling international spots, Houston is at its full capacity on international players. Seven of the Dash players have a high change of being called up for the Olympics this summer so it’s likely that fans will be missing Andressa, Beckie, Brian, Chapman, Lloyd, Poliana, and Williams. Even with the international call-ups leaving for the Olympics later in the summer, with the density and talent of this new roster fans have absolutely nothing to worry about and can expect a season to remember for Houston.

Houston opens their 2016 season at home on Saturday, April 16 with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The Dash will host the Chicago Red Stars at BBVA Compass Stadium where the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition Carli Lloyd bobblehead courtesy of the match’s sponsor, BBVA Compass. Fans who purchase full season ticket memberships for the 2016 season are guaranteed the Lloyd bobblehead. For more information on purchasing tickets head to houstondashsoccer.com/tickets