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Houston Dash Winger María Sánchez ESPN has confirmed from multiple sources that she requested a move only four month after signing the richest deal in National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) history.
Then, there is the NWSL The trade and transfer windows close this Friday.
Sanchez signed a contract in December with Houston for three years and a fourth year option. The total compensation, including the bonuses and option year was $1.5 million. The deal was the largest in NWSL’s history at the time of signing, though it has been overshadowed in recent months by several contracts.
– Watch NWSL games on ESPN+ (U.S.A.).
When reached by ESPN Sunday, the Houston Dash spokeswoman provided the following: “Maria Sanchez was under contract. It is a decision she made at free agency in 2023.”
Sanchez was 28 years old and a restricted-free agent in the past NWSL offseason. This meant that Houston could match any offer made by another team while retaining her rights. The contract she signed is with the NWSL, and it will remain in effect if she moves to another team. There are only a few teams that could sign her.
She’s a Mexico She is a left-footed player with a strong ball handling ability.
She rose to the ranks of top Mexican players, and played with Tigres as well in 2021. Sanchez signed her first contract with Houston in the year 2022, after spending a short time on loan with them in 2021. As a left-footed, versatile winger that has played as both a center back and up higher on the field, she has become a key player for Houston.
Houston’s club has had a difficult time establishing stability since its founding as an expansion NWSL team in 2014. The turnover, however, has become more pronounced recently. Five different coaches have led the Dash team since the season began in 2022, two of whom were interims. Two of the interim coaches have served as that role.
In the last season, with just four games to go, Dash head coach Sam Laity was fired. His team, however, was still in contention to make the playoffs. In the last few weeks, the Dash have fired Matt Lampson as goalkeeper coach for violating both the NWSL Anti-Fraternization Policy (and the NWSL Code of Conduct) and NWSL Anti-Fraternization Policy.
Fran Alonso, the new head coach of Celtic Women’s team in Scotland for three years, was appointed at the end December. Dash’s general manager Alex Singer addressed Alonso at his press conference. He spoke about the importance of establishing stability after years filled with “highs” and “lows,” as well as investing in resources for long-term success.
Singer made a specific mention of signing Sanchez while discussing his plans.
Singer told the media in December: “We’re talking about Maria Sanchez. She has achieved a lot.” “How do we make her undeniably the absolute best winger this league?” Singer asked in December. What are the things we provide for her off-the-field? A gym, dieticians, a high performance director, etc. These things are all to reinforce what was already in place, and take it to the next step.
This identity will be something we focus on — culture and identity. The crest will have new meaning for everyone, whether it’s a player or staff member.
Houston is 1-1 (2 points). Through four matches this season. Dash’s 10 conceded goals are tied with the NWSL record. Houston scored 18 goals last year in 22 games.
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