The Houston Dash signed defender Courtney Petersen to a two-year contract through the 2024 season, the team announced today.
"Courtney brings versatility to our roster and is a player who not only fits us culturally, but fits our tactical vision,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said. “She’s a quick defender who loves to join the attack and can whip dangerous crosses into the box. We look forward to integrating her into our squad and the role she’ll play with the group.”
The Dash acquired the rights to Peterson in a trade with the Orlando Pride on Feb. 1. Houston also received Orlando’s natural third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Houston sent Orlando $65,000 in allocation money and a conditional $25,00 if additional performance incentives are met this season.
Petersen made nine starts and 19 appearances for the Pride in 2022, recording two assists. She started 21 of 22 games played for the Pride in 2021, scoring her first career goal and logging four assists. The 25-year-old was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. The Royal Oak, Michigan native made her NWSL debut during the Fall Series, where she played every minute for the Pride.
“I am really excited to play with Diana Ordóñez and Marisa Viggiano again,” Petersen said. “I am looking forward to being part of what this organization is building toward and hopefully to win an NWSL Championship.”
The defender played collegiately at the University of Virginia and made 78 career appearances for the Cavaliers, recording 12 assists and five goals as a defender. Petersen was named an All-Region First Team selection by United Soccer Coaches and earned All-ACC Second Team honors as a senior.
Petersen played in the USWNT youth ranks and took a leave of absence from the Cavaliers in 2016 to participate in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She finished with two appearances for the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team and earned a berth to the semifinals of the competition.
