Maria Sanchez returns to Houston Dash

The Houston Dash today announced the signing of Mexican winger Maria Sanchez to a two-year contract. Sanchez joins from Liga MX Femenil side Tigres UANL after previously spending a month on loan with the Dash in June of 2021. She scored one goal in her three games with Houston.

“Joining the Dash is such a privilege for me,” Sanchez said. “It’s getting another shot at my dream, and I couldn’t be more excited to do it with a team and coaching staff that I have tremendous respect for!”

Sanchez’s return was all but unveiled when her name appeared as one of the Dash’s nine protected players on the NWSL Expansion Draft protection list last month. The Dash’s list showed eight players and “a contracted international player who has yet been announced have received protected status” per the club.

Alejandro Garza

“La Bombi” started her professional career in NWSL with the Chicago Red Stars before moving to Mexico and playing for CD Guadalajara and Tigres UANL. She is also a star with the Mexican Women’s National Team having made her debut with the senior team in 2015 and was part of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, the second youngest player on the team. She has made 39 appearances for the senior team, scoring five goals. Sanchez was also a part of Mexico’s U-20 squad in the 2016 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It is fantastic to be adding Maria to the team,” Dash head coach James Clarkson said. “She is an outstanding player and a wonderful person. She’s going to have a major impact on the league this season.”