NWSL team the Houston Dash have announced the signing of FIFA Puskas Award finalist Stephanie Roche on a two year deal, pending receipt of her visa and international clearance. Roche goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Women's National League in Ireland has gained millions of views on YouTube and catapulted the 25-year-old to international recognition. She became the first woman to be named a finalist for the award and was beaten by only 9% by James Rodriguez's volley at the World Cup for Columbia.
Roche has moved up the age groups for the Republic of Ireland, making her senior debut against Iceland in 2008 and since earning 35 caps. She's obviously relishing the chance to play in one of the top leagues in the world but understands how difficult it will be, "I am really looking forward to getting over there and getting started with the NWSL season. No Irish woman has ever gone over to play in the NWSL so it is going to be a big challenge for me. I am under no illusions it is going to be easy." Last June, after being shortlisted for the Puskas Award, she left Peamount United and signed professionally for French side ASPTT Albi, but has spoken at struggling to settle in the new environment. Taking to the Irish Independent, Roche explains that she's considered her next move carefully, “I have taken my time with this. A lot of people have been asking me where I was going. With France I think I may have jumped into it too fast. I didn’t think about everything. I never thought the language barrier would be as big an issue as it turned out to be in the end.”
The Houston Dash are affiliated with men's MLS team the Houston Dynamo, who are managed by former Ireland international Owen Coyle. And with Robbie Keane playing out in the States for LA Galaxy, Roche is excited to meet some of her Irish counterparts. “Robbie Keane was very supportive of me in the Puskas Award and it would be nice to meet him to say thank you for all his support so who knows, maybe when they come to play Houston I will be able to hook up with him and have a chat.”
Dash coach Randy Waldrum spoke highly of his new signing, “I am so excited about the signing of Stephanie, we are getting a player that has great technical ability and a superb left foot". He continues, “Stephanie will bring a wealth of international experience to our team, and another great attacking option that is different from what we have already. All our Dash fans and fans of women’s soccer in general will be excited about this signing”.
The Dubliner will join the Dash in March for pre-season before they start their NWSL season on 10th April against last years play-off semi-finalists the Washington Spirit.
Another look at Roche's famous goal. [From FIFA TV YouTube Channel]