The Houston Dash acquired forwardShea Groom, defender Megan Oyster and a conditional second round pick in the 2022 NWSL College Draft through a trade with Reign FC, the club announced today. The Dash traded defender Amber Brooks and forward Sofia Huerta as part of the deal.
“We have added two outstanding players with lots of experience that will strengthen us heading into the season. I’ve been interested in both players for a long time and am really excited to start working with them,” said Head Coach James Clarkson. “It’s always sad to see players leave the club, especially two that have played a big part over the years. I wish them every success in the future.”
Groom joins Houston after spending the 2019 season with Reign FC, scoring two goals in 15 appearances. The first-ever Texas A&M alum to join the Dash, Groom started her professional career in the NWSL in 2015 as the 12th overall pick in the NWSL College Draft by FC Kansas City. Groom scored 17 goals in her first two seasons before being traded to Sky Blue FC, where she scored two goals in 21 appearances in 2018.
The Missouri native spent her four-year collegiate career at Texas A&M University where she led the Aggies to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Women’s College Cup in 2014. Groom capped a decorated career with 16 goals and seven assists in 26 matches as a senior that season. Throughout her four years as an Aggie, the forward scored 41 goals and started in 80 of 85 appearances.
Groom made her international debut with the United States Women’s Under-23 team in the 2015 La Manga Tournament where she started in all three games, scoring the first goal of a 2-0 victory against Norway. The 26-year-old earned her first call-up with the senior U.S. Women’s National Team for a pair of friendlies against Switzerland in October of 2016.
Oyster joins the Dash for her sixth season in the NWSL after being selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit. The defender scored her first professional goal in 38 appearances. During her time with the Spirit, Oyster became the first player of the club that played every minute of every game in the 2015 season, helping the team reach the NWSL semifinal.
The Illinois native spent the 2017 season with the Boston Breakers before getting traded to Reign FC, where she scored one goal, tallied two assists and started in every game played with 41 appearances. Oyster was a crucial part of Reign FC’s semi-final run in the 2019 NWSL season.
Oyster brings international experience to Houston after spending two seasons with the W-League's Newcastle Jets, scoring two goals in 24 appearances. The defender has represented the United States at the Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 youth levels. Oyster earned her first call-up with the senior national team in 2017 for a pair of friendlies with Russia in March, making an appearance in both games as a substitute.
The 27-year-old spent four successful years at UCLA, starting in 49 of 68 appearances. Oyster logged two goals and two assists with the Bruins and was a key part of the squad that won the school’s first NCAA Championship in 2013.
With this transaction, the Dash now have 26 players on their active roster ahead of the 2020 NWSL season. The Dash will begin preseason training camp in early March and expect to kick off their 2020 campaign in mid-April. The 2020 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
