The Houston Dash acquired the rights toMexico Women’s National Team midfielder María Sánchez from the Chicago Red Stars in a trade for Houston’s natural second round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, the Club announced today.
ánchez, 25, is currently under contract with Tigres UANL Femenil from LigaMX Femenil. The midfielder has scored a goal in seven appearances since joining the club earlier this year ina trade from Chivas Femenil. At Chivas, Sánchezscored five goals in 21 appearances for Guadalajara in 2020 after playing her rookie season with Chicago in 2019. She logged seven appearances with the Red Stars, making her NWSL debut against North Carolina on May 12.
Born in Nampa, Idaho, the Mexican American enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at both Idaho State and Santa Clara University. As a freshman and sophomore, S
Sánchez tallied 22 goals in 37 appearances for Idaho, earning All-Academic and All-Conference honors from 2014-15. She transferred to Santa Clara in 2016, scoring 13 goals in 42 appearances in her last two seasons before graduating in 2018. In her last season, Sánchez tallied 16 assists, becoming the first player in NCAA Division I history to do so.S
Sánchez made her debut with the senior Mexican Women’s National Team in 2015 and was part of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, the second youngest on the team. The midfielder has made 24 appearances for the senior team, scoring three goals. Sanchéz was also a part of Mexico’s U-20 squad in the 2016 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Dash currently have 26 players on their active roster ahead of the 2021 NWSL season. Houston is set to kick off their Challenge Cup title defense on April 9 when they welcome the Red Stars to BBVA Stadium for the opening game of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant. The match is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT and will air live on CBS Sports Network.
