Stephanie Roche’s new club revealed

By Shaun Cronin

Irish international women’s striker and runner-up in the FIFA Puskás Award Stephanie Roche has finally revealed her next move.

25-year-old Roche is moving to the National Women's Soccer League in America after signing with the Houston Dash.

JUST IN: Dash sign Irish international forward Stephanie Roche --> http://t.co/Jkbk3AUSmj #DashOn pic.twitter.com/BxSqPYjRX8

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) February 18, 2015

The Dubliner shot to worldwide attention in October 2013 when her fantastic strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths went viral after being uploaded to YouTube.

The goal led to her being nominated in the final ten of the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award for World Goal of the Year. She would subsequently be voted into the top three before losing out to eventual winner James Rodríguez of Real Madrid, although she did beat Manchester United’s Robin van Persie for second place.

The 28 times capped striker left ASPTT Albi in January after struggling with life in France and has been the subject of much speculation on what her next move would be - amid rumours of money spinning offers from across the Irish Sea.

After signing on the dotted line Roche will now become the first Irish player ever to play in America top women’s division.

Stephanie will leave for Texas early next month to start pre-season training with the Houston Dash due to begin their league campaign against the Washington Spirit on April 10.

Big congrats to @StephanieRoche9, who is headed Stateside after signing for American club @HoustonDash! #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/qnixsvhR0H

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 18, 2015

Speaking to the club’s official website Houston Dash Head Coach Randy Waldrum said he was delighted to have Roche signed up.

I am so excited about the signing of Stephanie, we are getting a player that has great technical ability, a superb left foot, and possibly the best goalscorer to come out of Ireland since Olivia O’Toole,” said Waldrum.

“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.”

Dash fans join me in welcoming @StephanieRoche9 to Texas & to the Dash Family! Follow her & give her a shoutout! #DashOn

— Randy Waldrum (@CoachWaldrum) February 18, 2015

Best of luck in the US Stephanie!