2025 Position Group Preview - Defenders
(image via Houston Dash)
The offseason is over and the National Women’s Soccer League season begins this week. The Houston Dash will get their 2025 campaign underway on Friday. The Dash went through a number of changes this offseason, from a new head coach to new key players on the roster. Leading up to the first match against Washington Spirit we’ll be breaking down each position group, the players within the group, and some expectations for them. We finish up with the defenders.
Allysha Chapman
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 8 appearances
Projected 2025 Role: Left back/center back option
Chapman returned from maternity leave last season and has proven valuable to the Dash over the years. Houston signed Chapman to a new contract extending through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027. With a blend of veteran presence and new talent, the Houston Dash are gearing up for a competitive season, and Chapman’s role will be key to their defensive strategy.
Natalie Jacobs
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 16 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
Projected 2025 Role: Center back/full back option
Jacobs agreed new to a four-year contract last year. She has been a key contributor to the Dash backline, playing in 55 games for Houston in all competitions since April 2022 – when she originally joined the team as a National Team Replacement Player. Natalie also wore the captain’s armband last season for the Dash vs. Tigres UANL match in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup.
Zoe Matthews
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 2 appearances
Projected 2025 Role: Backup center back/center mid
In October 2024, at just 17 years old, Matthews signed a contract with the Houston Dash through the 2026 season, making her the youngest player in the club’s history. She had previously committed to play college soccer at LSU but chose to embark on a professional career instead. Matthews made her professional debut on October 18, 2024, as an 85th-minute substitute against the Seattle Reign. Zoe has been involved with the United States youth national teams, training with both the under-15 and under-16 squads in 2022. She also received an invitation to train with the Jamaican senior national team that same year, reflecting her diverse heritage and international appeal.
Paige Nielsen
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 21 appearances, 1 goal
Projected 2025 Role: Starting center back/left back
The Dash traded for Paige Nielsen on April 20, 2024 when they were desperate for some defensive help. Her impact was remarkable as the Dash conceded only twice in Nielsen’s first four starts with Houston. Nielsen signed a four-year contract extension in August, keeping her with the team through the 2028 season. With the full roster set, Nielsen will be a key part of the Dash’s defensive foundation
Christen Westphal
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 15 appearances (with San Diego Wave FC)
Projected 2025 Role: Starting right back
Westphal joins Houston after spending three seasons in San Diego, where she won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024. Throughout her time with the Wave, she played 116 regular-season matches, starting 90 of those. Known for her versatility and defensive reliability, she has the potential to be a key asset for Houston’s backline. It will be interesting to see how she fits into the Dash’s defensive system and what impact she can make as the team looks to build a strong foundation for the season.
Avery Patterson
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 25 appearances, 1 goal, 2 assists
Projected 2025 Role: Starting left back/winger
Patterson was named to the 2025 UWSNT Futures Camp, which features up-and-coming U.S. prospects. Avery had a breakout rookie season in which she was named the team’s Newcomer of The Year. She led the team with 28 appearances across all matches and scored her first professional goal on November 2 at home against Bay FC.
Jylissa Harris
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): 11 appearances
Projected 2025 Role: On loan
Harris was selected 22nd overall by the Houston Dash in the 2023 NWSL Draft. In her rookie season, she made seven appearances, and in 2024, she played in 14 games in all competitions, contributing to the team’s defensive lineup. Recognizing her impact, the Dash signed Harris to a new contract in December 2024, ensuring her continued presence on the team. She will spend the 2025 season on loan with Ottawa Rapid FC in Canada.
Katie Lind
2024 Stats (NWSL Play): On maternity leave
Projected 2025 Role: Starting center back
Katie has been a cornerstone of the Dash’s defense for years, bringing stability and leadership to the backline. Her impact was immediate, playing a crucial role in the team’s historic 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup victory, the club’s first major trophy. Over the years, she has been a consistent starter, known for her composure, tactical awareness, and ability to organize the defense. Now back from maternity leave, Lind’s veteran experience and presence remain vital to the team’s ambitions, along with her mentorship of young players.
The Houston Dash’s defense faced significant challenges during the 2024 NWSL season, contributing to the team’s last-place finish. The team concluded the season with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 16 losses, totaling 20 points and placing them 14th in the league. With several new additions to the roster, the Dash have revamped their defensive unit in hopes of a stronger campaign in 2025. The arrival of fresh talent alongside experienced veterans brings a renewed sense of optimism, and it will be interesting to see how the new-look backline gels under the team’s revamped coaching staff. With a full season ahead, the Dash have an opportunity to establish a more resilient defensive identity and climb back into playoff contention.