The Houston Dash acquired forward Katie Stengel and the 22nd overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft through a trade with Utah Royals FC, the club announced today. The Dash traded their natural second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 NWSL College Drafts as part of the deal.
Stengel joins Houston for her sixth NWSL season with a total of 12 goals in 83 appearances. The forward was part of Utah’s inaugural team in 2018, finishing the season as the team’s top goal-scorer with six goals. Stengel went on to score two crucial goals and an assist for the Royals in the 2019 season, starting in 16 of 24 appearances.
“Adding Katie to our squad is a vital piece in how we want to play and provides us tactical flexibility,” said Head Coach James Clarkson. “We are all excited she’s joining us.”
The Florida native began her professional career in Europe with legendary German club Bayern Munich after graduating from a successful college career at Wake Forest in 2014 where she finished as the highest scoring player in school history with 50 goals in 75 games. At Bayern, Stengel lead the club to earn the 2014-15 Frauen Bundesliga Championship title, finishing the season as the club’s top goal-scorer with nine goals.
The 27-year-old made her NWSL debut in 2015 with the Washington Spirit, starting in 10 of 19 appearances and contributing four goals. A year later, Stengel was part of an attacking corps that lead the Spirit to an appearance in the NWSL Championship against the Western New York Flash. The match finished regulation tied at 1-1 and was level at 2-2 after extra time. The forward converted her chance in the ensuing shootout, although the Spirit fell 3-2 on penalties.
Stengel brings diverse international experience to the Dash, having also played in Australia’s W-League for four seasons. The forward has tallied a total of 19 goals with Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets, and is currently a key piece to Canberra United’s front line.
In 2011, Stengel was called in to represent the United States at both the Under-20 and Under-23 levels, scoring seven goals in 25 appearances.
With this transaction, the Dash now have 22 players on their active roster ahead of the 2020 NWSL season. Houston also has two picks in the upcoming NWSL College Draft – the 18th and 22nd overall selections. The Dash expect to kick off their 2020 campaign in mid-April. The 2020 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
