Dash break transfer record to sign Brazilian defender Tarciane
(image via Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians)
The Houston Dash have announced the signing of Brazilian center back Tarciane from Corinthians FC. The 20 year old signs through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.
“Tarciane is a special young talent with potential to be one of the best in the world. At just 20 years old, she is a physically imposing, dominant defender, who has proven to be able to compete against the top attackers across the globe and impose her quality. From the U-20 World Cup to today, her play, poise and mentality has impressed us,” Dash General Manager Alex Singer said. “Investing in players like Tarciane is a key component to how we build our roster. We are confident that she will have a significant impact on our club over the next years and develop as a player under our infrastructure. We are thrilled she chose to continue her journey in Houston, and we are excited to see her growth and impact both to our club and the league.”
Houston needed defensive help as Friday’s closing of the NWSL transfer window loomed. The club made a trade for center back Paige Nielsen from Angel City FC to improve the position. They then took the money they got in trading Maria Sanchez to San Diego Wave FC and used it to buy Brazilian center back Tarciane from Corinthians. Reports say that the Dash spent nearly $500,000, breaking a transfer record for a female Brazilian player and the fourth most expensive transfer in women’s football worldwide.
Tarciane, who turns 21 next month, joined Corinthians in 2021 after previously playing at Fluminense. She played for Brazil in the 2022 U20 Women’s World Cup and has recently been capped by the senior team. She played in the recent W Gold Cup for Brazil, scoring a penalty against Canada.
“I'm very happy to play in Houston, I am motivated and prepared for this new challenge in my career,” Tarciane said. “Playing in the NWSL is a dream come true. This is one of the best leagues in the world plus a country with so much tradition in women's soccer. It's such a fantastic opportunity and I'll do my best to represent this club on-and-off the field.”
The 6 foot tall defender will fill a big hole in the Dash lineup at center back. She is a big, strong physical defender that will likely slot right into the middle of the back line once she is ready to go. With Nielsen and now Tarciane, the Houston defense looks to have improved dramaitcally. The Dash currently sit in 12th place with a league high 14 goals conceded and a league worst -8 goal difference. Defense was needed at the deadline, everyone knew as much, and the Dash have gone out and gotten it. Now the question will be, how will it translate on the field?
