Houston Dash: How the Dash Were Built

Aug 18, 2013; Boyds, MD, USA; Sky Blue FC defender Kendall Johnson (5) tackles the ball away from Washington Spirit forward Tiffany McCarty (14) during the second half at the Maryland Soccerplex Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

Expansion Draft – January 10th, 2014

Under the expansion draft rules, 2013 playoff teams could protect 9 players while non-playoff teams could protect 10. Teams with more than two US allocations had to leave one exposed. If the Dash took an allocated player from a team, they could not take another player from that team.

If the Dash selected a non-allocated player from a team, that team could then protect one additional player. The Dash could pick no more than two US allocated players, one Canadian allocated player and one Mexican allocated player. The Dash picks in order from #1-10 were:

Brittany Bock #11 (Sky Blue FC) – A hard working midfielder who played for Waldrum at Notre Dame. Her playing time in 2013 with Sky Blue FC was limited due to injury. If she can stay healthy, she will be a key member of the squad and she has become the face of the franchise since arriving.

Tiffany McCarty #12 (Washington Spirit) – Pacey 23-year old forward who struggled to find the back of the net last season but led Florida State in scoring 2 years in a row.

Lauren Sesselmann #4 (FC Kansas City) – Allocated player from Canada and an experienced defender. Will miss the season after suffering a torn ACL at the Algarve Cup.

Meleana Shim (Portland Thorns) – Traded back to the Thorns one week later.

Ella Masar #30 (Chicago Red Stars) – Hard working forward who scored 3 goals for Chicago last year. Was a teammate of McLeod, together they hosted the Ella and Erin show, the first Houston version of which can be seen here.

Meghan Klingenberg #25 (Boston Breakers) – Currently a teammate of Engen at Tyresö and the US National Team who also will not join the Dash until the Champions League campaign is over. She had just been allocated to Boston.

Arianna Romero #2 (Seattle Reign FC) – Born in the US but plays for Mexico. Had just been allocated to Seattle Reign FC. Is a quick, hard working fullback.

Becky Edwards #14 (Portland Thorns) – Will partner Bock in the center of the midfield. Was captain of the US U-20 team and played at Florida State with McCarty. Missed most of 2013 with torn ACL.

Danesha Adams (Sky Blue FC) – Traded to Washington Spirit for Stephanie Ochs.

Kika Toulouse #16 (Washington Spirit) – Likely to start at right fullback. Played for Waldrum in the US U-23 team.

Trades Post Expansion Draft

Bianca Henninger #18 (FC Kansas City) – The Dash sent their 3rd round college draft pick to Kansas City for Henninger who will back-up McLeod in goal. She played for Waldrum on the US U-23 team.

Stephanie Ochs #22 (Washington Spirit) – Acquired for Danesha Adams, she is a tall forward who spent last year with Canberra United in Australia where she scored 6 goals in 12 appearances. Also played for Waldrum on the US U-23 team.

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