The Houston Dash have acquired the rights to midfielder Ashley Nick from Sky Blue FC in exchange for draft position in the second and fourth rounds of the 2015 NWSL College Draft, the club announced today.
The Dash now hold the third pick in the second and fourth rounds (No. 13 and No. 31 overall picks) of the College Draft, while Sky Blue FC has the first pick in those rounds (No. 10 and No. 28 overall). Houston retains the first overall pick in January’s draft.
"The season will have two parts, one without World Cup players and the other with them. It becomes vital that we are prepared for both parts with as much talent and experience as possible. That's why I'm so happy we were able to secure Ashley,” Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. “She is a proven pro who has years of experience, and was a mainstay in Sky Blue FC's midfield last year. She is very solid defensively, and can set play for our team once she wins the ball. I think she's a great addition and very excited to have her."
Nick, 27, signed with Sky Blue FC in the final month of the 2013 NWSL season and made 25 regular season appearances (19 starts) with one goal during her time with the New Jersey club. Nick also started in Sky Blue FC’s lone playoff match against the Western New York Flash in the 2013 NWSL Semifinals, playing the game’s full 90 minutes. The midfielder is currently finishing her stint with Apollon Ladies FC of the Cypriot First Division, where she also started both legs of the club’s UEFA Women’s Champion’s League Round of 32 tie against Brøndby of Denmark.
After finishing an All-American career at the University of Southern California, Nick joined Dutch side FC Twente and earned the captain’s armband while leading the team to an Eredivisie title in 2010-11 and a runner-up finish in 2011-12. The Monrovia, California, native finished 2012 in Norway with Arna-Bjørnar before returning to the U.S. Nick won the 2013 W-League Championship and was named Championship MVP with the Pali Blues while serving as USC’s director of soccer operations before joining Sky Blue FC.
Ashley Nick
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: October 27, 1987
Birthplace: Monrovia, California
Height: 5’8”
Previous club: Sky Blue FC
How acquired: via trade on December 12, 2014
