The Houston Dash have re-signed forward Michelle Alozie through the 2024 season, the team announced today.
“Michelle grew tremendously in her role for us in 2022. She stepped up in high pressure circumstances and proved to us she was up for the task in each situation,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “The energy she brings when she steps on the field is electrifying. Her speed and ability to threaten on the attack in addition to the defensive work she commits to through her relentless pressure on the opposition are what makes her important. It is exciting as we know the potential that she has, and I look forward to seeing her development and impact over the next two years.”
Alozie made 10 appearances, scored two goals during the 2022 regular season and earned the start in Houston’s first-ever playoff match.
The Apple Valley, California native scored her first goal of the season in Houston’s 5-0 win over Orlando on June 3.
Alozie scored the latest game-tying goal in club history when she scored the equalizer in the first minute of second-half stoppage time against the Washington Spirit, which was key to Houston’s playoff hopes at the time.
Alozie represents Nigeria at an international level and helped the Super Falcons qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next year after competing in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this past summer.
"To start of my professional career [here], it's just been really nice and welcoming. The team has been really cool to me. Now, obviously, there's been a lot of changes, but I feel like just the core of the team has been a major factor of me like wanting to stay,” Alozie said.
Alozie also says that Houston, as a community, has given her a lot of comfort off the pitch as well, which has helped her growth in all aspects of her life.
“I grew up in San Diego and in certain parts it has a very high POC population. I also see that here in Houston, and it makes me feel at home,” Alozie said. “It's nice to see people that look like you around you, so that makes me feel at home. There's such a large Nigerian community here and helps me stay in tune with my roots and so that's why I feel like it feels like home.”
With the addition of Alozie, Houston now has 16 players under contract. The current Houston Dash roster can be found listed below in alphabetical order and by position:
Goalkeepers (2): Jane Campbell, Ella Dederick
Defenders (4): Julia Ashley, Allysha Chapman, Caprice Dydasco, Katie Naughton
Midfielders (3): Shea Groom, Sophie Schmidt, Marisa Viggiano
Forwards (7): Michelle Alozie, Joelle Anderson, Ryan Gareis, Paulina Gramaglia, Nichelle Prince, Ebony Salmon, Maria Sanchez
