Ireland international Stephanie Roche says she soon expects to be plying her trade in England or back in the US following last month’s sudden exit from Houston Dash, with an announcement on her new destination likely over the next week.
FIFA Puskas Award runner-up Roche (25) joined US National Women’s Soccer League outfit Houston Dash in February only to be let go last month as the club brought in two further international players after an injury crisis.
The former Peamount United forward spent last week on trial at Boston Breakers in the US and is now back in Dublin weighing up her next move.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Roche said: “Boston came as a last minute option last week. I went down for a visit and I’m enjoyed my week there.”
Roche said as well as the States, she had options in England too.
“We’ll figure it out as we go. I’m hoping in the next few days that I’ll make a final decision as to where I’m going to play next... England or America.”
An upbeat Roche said she had now come to terms with her Houston departure, having had nearly three weeks to digest events.
“When it first happened I was a little bit upset and disappointed, obviously. I’ve come to terms with it now and I think that’s just how things work over there in the US.
“Right now I’m just going to figure out what comes next. I’m happy enough I have a couple of options and I’m lucky enough I’m able to keep playing as I’ve no injuries, and I’m ready for the next team.”
The past year has been a whirlwind experience for the Dubliner having played for Peamount United before a six-month spell with French side ASPTT Albi, which ended in January ahead of her move to Houston. Added into the mix of course was the Puskas nomination.
“It’s been a rollercoaster. Everything’s happened so fast, it’s all been a bit crazy,” said Roche. “I’ve been lucky enough to have the good things happen to me and I have to have a few bad things happen to me to get to where I want to be.
“I’m positive and optimistic as to what’s going to happen to me in the next few months.”
The Women’s World Cup finals tournament started in Canada earlier this week, and Roche believes Ireland are not far off qualifying for future finals.
“I think we proved that in our qualifying campaign last year. We came third in a group behind [two-time World Cup winners] Germany and Russia and we came very close to beating both teams.
“We’ve had a lot of progress over the last few years. I know it won’t be long before you see us in a major tournament.
“Euro 2017 is our next step and we’re hoping to prove to people that we can compete at this high level.”
For now though, Roche’s focus is on sealing a return to club football as soon as possible in England or America.
