Houston Dash signs Irish goal wiz Roche

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Feb 19, 2015

Irish forward Stephanie Roche, who was runner-up for the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award, awarded to the player judged to have scored the best goal in any FIFA-sanctioned competition, has signed with the NWSL's Houston Dash. Her juggled, volleyed goal for Peamount United was the first goal scored by a woman to be named a finalist for the award. Most recently, Roche was with French club Albi for which she scored twice in 10 league appearances.





Roche, 25, has represented Ireland 35 times, scoring six goals.
 
“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,” Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. “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.”
 
Roche began her career with Stella Marris in her native Dublin before moving to Dundalk City and then Raheny United. The forward then joined Peamount United for the inaugural season of the Irish Women’s National League in 2011-12, which they won. Roche scored a record 71 goals in her three years with Peamount, winning the Golden Boot award in 2011-12 and 2013-14. Peamount also took part in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2011-12 and 2012-13, where Roche scored seven goals in eight appearances.