Dash acquire midfielder Belle Briede
(image via @bellbriede/Instagram)
With Friday’s NWSL Expansion Draft complete, the NWSL offseason can unofficially get underway. The Houston Dash wasted no time, making a flurry of moves on Sunday that had them end up with midfielder Bella Briede and more assets.
The first move for Houston saw them send $50,000 in allocation money to Bay FC for midfielder Sierra Enge. Enge was selected by Bay in Friday’s draft from San Diego Wave FC. The Dash then sent Enge back to San Diego in exchange for midfielder Bella Briede, a natural third-round pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, and $60,000 in allocation money.
The Dash essentially picked up Briede, $10,000 allocation, and a draft pick for nothing. That can happen with expansion drafts, when a team wants their player back. The old-school Dynamo fans will remember something similar happening with Brian Ching. The Dash got to play the middle-party in this move and came out of it with a new midfielder.
“Belle is a versatile midfielder and competitor who will bring winning experience to our team and locker room. We look forward to her joining our group,” Dash general manager Alex Singer said about the trade.
Briede comes to Houston after two seasons in San Diego, winning the NWSL Shield this past season. The 25-year-old made 17 starts in 28 appearances for Wave FC and scored two goals for the club. Briede attended Stanford University and was the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL draft. While in college, Briede won two national championships, in 2017 and 2019. The midfielder made 94 appearances for the Cardinal, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists.
“I’m super excited for the opportunity to join the Houston Dash,” Briede said. “I can’t wait to explore Houston and get involved with the community! I’m grateful for the chance to continue my soccer career working with great staff and players. Looking forward to getting started playing in this amazing city!”
Briede will join a Dash midfield group that includes captain Sophie Schmidt, Havana Solaun, Sarah Punitgam, and Sophie Hirst. Marisa Viggiano and Emily Curran are both free agents, meaning Houston needed another midfielder to add to the roster.
