Stephanie Roche’s time in the US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) looks to have come to a premature end after the Houston Dash cut short her contract.
Republic of Ireland international and FIFA Puskas Award runner-up Roche (25) joined the Dash in February on a one-year contract but has now had it terminated, which is allowed under league rules, as part of a change of personnel at the club.
The team have signed Australian defender Ellie Brush and Brazilian full-back back Camila and as clubs can only have three international players Roche has been released.
“I got an e-mail the night before last saying I had a meeting with the coach and the general manager and that set alarm bells off," she told Independent.ie.
Very disappointed to finish up with Houston Dash. Impossible to appreciate the highs without experiencing the lows #ToughDay
— Stephanie Roche (@StephanieRoche9) May 20, 2015“I was basically told that at the minute we have injuries at the back and the club needs more defenders. They can only sign so many international players and because I am one of the higher earners, they cut me.
“It was a big shock, I was really enjoying it here. The manager liked me and told me I was one of the best finishers at the club. I didn’t see it coming at all. I am shocked and disappointed."
Coach Randy Waldrum said he would have preferred to keep Roche but that the club's defensive needs forced the decision.
Roche lined out for Ireland in their two recent friendlies in the States, a 3-0 defeat to the USA and a 1-0 win over Haiti.
She played for Peamount United before a six-month spell with French side ASPTT Albi, which ended in January ahead of her move to Houston.
