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NWSL Houston Dash

Dash Re-Sign Defenders Katie Naughton & Megan Oyster

September 4, 2020 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Houston Dash News Release


The Houston Dash have signed defenders Katie Naughton and Megan Oyster to new contracts, the Club announced today. Both center backs are set to return for the 2021 season with a Club option for 2022.

"Having Meg and Katie continue with us his a huge positive", said Head Coach James Clarkson. "They have both made an instant impact with the squad on and off the field."

The two Illinois natives were a key part in Clarkson's plan to rebuild the team's backline, helping the Dash capture the Club's first league title in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup earlier this summer.

Naughton joined Houston through a trade with the Chicago Red Stars in January after being a key part of Chicago's backline throughout their stellar 2019 season. The center back helped lead the Red Stars to the 2019 NWSL Cup against North Carolina, playing all 90 minutes in the Final.

"It's a great feeling to know I'm with an organization that is excited to have me and wants to keep me here. I feel like I have a sense of home and belonging here in Houston," Naughton said. "It's amazing to be welcomed with open arms by the city this first year of mine, to feel loved and supported by the fans and the community."

Like Naughton, Oyster joined the Dash via trade in January. She came to Houston from Reign FC (now OL Reign), where she made 41 starts, scored one goal and tallied two assists. Oyster was a crucial part of Reign FC's semi-final run in the 2019 NWSL season.

"It means everything to me. When I got traded to this team, I knew the Dash was building something special. When I finally got here and we won the Challenge Cup, that proved my point," Oyster said. "I'm really excited to continue building on this club and prove to people that we're really good."

The Dash are set to return to competition on Friday, Sept. 11 at the North Carolina Courage as part of an 18-game NWSL Fall Series. The league's nine teams were divided into three three-team groups based on geography, and the Dash will play four matches against the Courage and Orlando Pride.

Following the opening match against North Carolinia, which will pit the NWSL Challenge Cup winners against the 2019 league champions, the Dash will then host Orlando on Sept. 26 and North Carolina on Oct. 6 for the only two home matches scheduled this year. Houston will conclude the Fall Series on Friday, Oct. 9 at Orlando in a match that will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.

The Houston Dash have signed defenders Katie Naughton and Megan Oyster to new contracts, the Club announced today. Both center backs are set to return for the 2021 season with a Club option for 2022.

"Having Meg and Katie continue with us his a huge positive", said Head Coach James Clarkson. "They have both made an instant impact with the squad on and off the field."

The two Illinois natives were a key part in Clarkson's plan to rebuild the team's backline, helping the Dash capture the Club's first league title in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup earlier this summer.

Naughton joined Houston through a trade with the Chicago Red Stars in January after being a key part of Chicago's backline throughout their stellar 2019 season. The center back helped lead the Red Stars to the 2019 NWSL Cup against North Carolina, playing all 90 minutes in the Final.

"It's a great feeling to know I'm with an organization that is excited to have me and wants to keep me here. I feel like I have a sense of home and belonging here in Houston," Naughton said. "It's amazing to be welcomed with open arms by the city this first year of mine, to feel loved and supported by the fans and the community."

Like Naughton, Oyster joined the Dash via trade in January. She came to Houston from Reign FC (now OL Reign), where she made 41 starts, scored one goal and tallied two assists. Oyster was a crucial part of Reign FC's semi-final run in the 2019 NWSL season.

"It means everything to me. When I got traded to this team, I knew the Dash was building something special. When I finally got here and we won the Challenge Cup, that proved my point," Oyster said. "I'm really excited to continue building on this club and prove to people that we're really good."

The Dash are set to return to competition on Friday, Sept. 11 at the North Carolina Courage as part of an 18-game NWSL Fall Series. The league's nine teams were divided into three three-team groups based on geography, and the Dash will play four matches against the Courage and Orlando Pride.

Following the opening match against North Carolinia, which will pit the NWSL Challenge Cup winners against the 2019 league champions, the Dash will then host Orlando on Sept. 26 and North Carolina on Oct. 6 for the only two home matches scheduled this year. Houston will conclude the Fall Series on Friday, Oct. 9 at Orlando in a match that will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.

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