HOUSTON (Jan. 27, 2025) - The Houston Dash acquired forward Messiah Bright in a trade with Angel City FC, both teams announced today. Houston will send $100,000 of intra-league transfer funds to Angel City and the transaction includes up to $50,000 in additional performance-based incentives.
“Messiah is a dynamic player that can instantly change a match with her ability to create space and convert opportunities in the final third,” Dash President of Women’s Soccer, Angela Hucles Mangano said. “She is excited to play closer to home and help this team find a new identity this season and for years to come. We look forward to the impact she brings and how she continues to develop her game as she works with our staff.”
The 25-year-old spent last season with Angel City FC where she appeared in 21 regular season games. She scored her first regular season goal for the team on Sept. 27 at home against the Washington Spirit. The forward also scored the first hat-trick in team history in a 7-0 victory over Juarez FC from LIGA MX Femenil in a friendly at home on Aug. 18.
"I’m ecstatic to join this team and support the ambitious project they have for the upcoming season. I’m also grateful to continue my career closer to home and I look forward to sharing new experiences with family and friends at Shell Energy Stadium,” Bright said. “I’m excited to meet my new teammates and work with the technical staff to build a new identity for the Houston Dash.”
The Dallas, Texas native was selected No. 21 overall by the Orlando Pride in the 2023 NWSL Draft. Bright scored seven goals in her rookie season with the Pride across all competitions. She was a finalist for the NWSL Rookie of the Year award in her first campaign and was named both the Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month in Aug. 2023.
Bright played collegiate soccer for five years at Texas Christian University and finished with 50 goals and 18 assists in 103 appearances. She scored 17 goals during the 2021 season and set a new program record for most goals scored in a single season. She was an All-Big 12 First Team selection three times and a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American selection.
At the international level the forward has competed with the U.S. Women’s National Team at the U-23 and U-18 level. She joined the U-23 USWNT in 2022 for the Thorns Invitational at the start of the year and again for the Three Nations Tournament in Sweden. She joined the U-18 Youth National Team for two training camps in 2018.
