Two-time NWSL champion Yazmeen Ryan has been traded from NJ/NY Gotham FC to the Houston Dash, as confirmed by multiple sources to The Equalizer.
In the exchange, Houston is set to send a cash amount to Gotham for Ryan, with reports estimating the figure at $400,000. The deal was finalized prior to the transaction moratorium that was in place until Friday evening, as indicated by various sources.
This cash deal ranks among the most substantial in NWSL history for an internal league trade, significantly surpassing the $200,000 that Angel City FC sent to the Portland Thorns two years ago as part of a three-team trade that brought Ryan to Gotham FC.
Ryan, known for her versatility, can fulfill various roles along the forward line and in midfield, recently made her debut with the United States women’s national team. She was part of the NWSL Championship-winning squads in 2022 with the Portland Thorns and in 2023 with Gotham FC.
During the 2024 season, Ryan recorded five goals and five assists, starting in 22 of her 24 matches for Gotham FC.
This trade represents the second significant departure for Gotham this week. As reported by The Equalizer’s Dan Lauletta, United States international forward Lynn Williams and goalkeeper Cassie Miller were traded from Gotham to Seattle Reign FC in a deal that brought midfielder Jaelin Howell to Gotham. Both Ryan and Williams joined Gotham as part of trades leading into the team’s champion season in 2023.
The Dash had a challenging 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the league amidst off-field turmoil, which included the firing of former general manager Alex Singer and the puzzling 12-week absence of former head coach Fran Alonso, who was let go in September after joining the club in February.
Houston has since appointed Angela Hucles Mangano, previously dismissed as general manager of Angel City FC, as the new president of women’s soccer, effectively taking over the GM responsibilities. However, the Dash are still searching for a full-time head coach.
Despite the challenges, Houston has made several important signings this offseason, including Ryan and midfielder Delanie Sheehan, who both last played for Gotham. Sheehan joined Houston as a free agent, receiving a notable pay increase, as confirmed by a source with insight into the arrangement.
Image Source: Yazmeen Ryan @ Instagram
