Houston Dash acquire Orlando Pride defender Courtney Petersen

On the same day, the Orlando Pride introduced former Houston Dash goalkeeper Haley Carter as their new GM and VP of Soccer Operations, the team deals defender Courtney Petersen to Houston for $65,000 in Allocation Money and a possible $25,000 more on performance incentives.

It's probably just a coincidence of the timing of the announcement but nonetheless makes for a humorous storyline. Petersen though is all business though starting 30 matches in 41 appearances. The left back clearly helps in the event one of the starters namely Allysha Chapman can't go early on. The 25 year old averaged about an hour played in each of her starts proving her durability of nothing else.

GM Haley Carter explained her first move as GM like this; "We worked hard to get this deal done early in the year in order to provide her the time to get situated before the season starts," Orlando Pride general manager Haley Carter said in the club statement. "We thank her for everything and wish her nothing but the best as she moves to Houston.”

The former overall number 7 pick of the 2020 NWSL Draft was not on the Pride's 28 player roster this preseason. The move gives depth to the Dash or sets up another mover for Houston GM Alex Singer while Orlando gets something for Petersen that they can use. Houston also gained another draft pick in the deal getting the Orlando Pride's natural third round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft.