Houston Dash acquire French forward Valerie Guavin

If you thought the Houston Dash were content with their roster and pushing ahead to the playoffs as they were, you would be wrong. Just hours ago, the Houston Dash announced the acquisition of French forward Valerie Gauvin from the North Carolina Courage.

Once again, Houston has picked up a prime time player without giving up much and keeping their current roster intact. In an exchange with the North Carolina Courage, Houston gave up $25,000 in allocation money and a conditional second round pick in the 2024 draft.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valérie to the Houston Dash as an important addition to our club,” Dash president Jessica O’Neill said. “As a proven goal scorer with international experience, she will help us maximize the opportunity we have to secure the first playoff appearance in Dash history.”

A proven goal scorer with international experience, Gauvin has represented France at the highest levels of soccer. A member of the 2019 World Cup team, the French international has 17 goals in 37 appearances for the France.

She began her career with Montpelier in the D1 Feminine league. She helped her side to qualify for the 2017-2018 Women's UEFA League Championships. At Montpelier, she scored 26 goals in 52 appearances including 31 starts before moving on to Everton FC following the 2020 season. Gauvin started strong with Everton scoring a goal in her first 19 minutes of play but eventually a lack of playing time due to an injury and then seemingly a whirlwind of different coaches. In March of 2022, she signed with the North Carolina Courage.

Gauvin has been unable to secure playing time with NCC in 2022 due to nagging injuries. In Houston, Juan Carlos Amoros is sure to give her playing time if healthy. A like Gauvin can only be plus in the Houston Dash arsenal of offensive weapons. She will be available for selection on Saturday night at PNC Stadium against the visiting Washington Spirit.