The Houston Dash have signed Brazilian defender Poliana, the club announced today. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Dash also acquired the eighth overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft and an international roster spot from FC Kansas City in exchange for forwards Tiffany McCarty and Jessica McDonald.
“We have been after Poliana for a while and actually acquired her rights last season, but were unable to bring her in due to Brazil going into residency for the World Cup,” Dash managing director Brian Ching said. “However, we are very excited that she will now be able to join us for the 2016 season. She is a versatile player that brings international experience and will strengthen our roster.”
Poliana Barbosa Medeiros, commonly known as Poliana, has earned 34 caps for Brazil and scored four goals at the international level. The 24-year-old was part of Brazil’s squad for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, making one start and one substitute appearance during the group stage. Poliana also featured in Brazil’s Pan American and International Tournament of Natal winning sides in 2015.
Following the World Cup, Poliana signed with Icelandic side Starjnan. She made an immediate impact, scoring a goal in Starjnan’s Icelandic Women’s Cup victory and five goals in UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying. Prior to joining Starjnan, the outside back made over 50 appearances for Brazilian club São José, winning the 2012 and 2013 Copa do Brasil, 2013 and 2014 Copa LIbertadores, and the 2014 International Women’s Club Championship.
As a result of the trade with FC Kansas City, Houston now has three selections in this year’s draft, all in the first round: the Nos. 5, 6 and 8 overall picks. The 2016 NWSL College Draft will be held this Friday, Jan. 15, at the Baltimore Convention Center beginning at 9 a.m. CT.
“We want to thank both Jessica and Tiffany for everything they have done for the club,” Ching said. “This was not an easy decision for our club, but one that we thought was necessary as we continue to build our team. We would like to wish them the best of luck in the future.”
McCarty, 25, was selected by the Dash in the 2014 NWSL Expansion Draft. The forward scored five goals and added one assist in 37 appearances (18 starts) in her two seasons in Houston.
McDonald joined the Dash via trade at the 2015 NWSL College Draft. The 27-year-old appeared in 20 games (19 starts) in 2015 for the Dash, scoring seven goals with one assist.
POLIANA
Full name: Poliana Barbosa Medeiros
Position: Defender
International: Brazil
Date of Birth: February 6, 1991
Birthplace: Ituiutaba, Brazil
Height: 5’9”
Previous club: Stjarnan (Iceland)
How acquired: via discovery signing on January 13, 2016
