The Houston Dash have acquired the rights to midfielder Amber Brooks and the fifth pick (first-round) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft in exchange for defender Meghan Klingenberg and a conditional selection in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, it was announced today.
Brooks, 24, captained the University of North Carolina women's soccer team during her junior and senior years (2011-2012), earning two NCAA national championships and one College Cup during her final two seasons. She scored 34 goals and added 19 assists during her college career. At the conclusion of her college career, Brooks played two seasons with Germany’s Bayern Munich of the Frauen-Bundesliga before signing with Portland Thorns FC and the NWSL in 2014. Brooks was traded to Seattle prior to the 2015 season, and made 12 appearances for the NWSL Supporters’ Shield winners. She has one cap with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“Amber is a player that I’ve wanted since I took over the team two years ago,” said Dash head coach Randy Waldrum. “Amber was a part of my U-23 USWNT, where she showed versatility by playing anywhere in defense or midfield. She’s tenacious, tough, skillful, and a great competitor who will battle until the final whistle. She very much fits into what we are trying to build here in Houston.
“I want to wish Meghan all the best and thank her for her service to the Dash the past two seasons.”
Klingenberg, 25, is one of three players who successfully represented the Dash as the United States secured their third world championship at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer. She started a total of 12 games for Houston in 2015. Prior to her stint with the Dash, the Pittsburgh, PA native played for several teams in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, making a total of 28 appearances (24 starts) and scoring three goals. She has a total of 46 caps with the US Women’s National Team.
“This was a difficult trade to make,” said Dash Managing Director Brian Ching. “We really appreciate everything Meghan did for the Houston Dash, both on and off the field. On the same token, I am also excited to bring in a player of Amber’s ability. She has always been on our radar and is an athlete that we feel will fit right in as we continue to strengthen the team.”
