Soccer

Canada's Sophie Schmidt, Allysha Chapman get new deals with NWSL's Houston Dash

The Houston Dash have signed veteran Canadian internationals Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman to contract extensions.

Both players were part of gold medal-winning Canadian team at Tokyo Olympics

Allysha Chapman, left, and Sophie Schmidt, right, of Houston Dash, seen here during a game in 2021, re-signed with the NWSL team on Thursday. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Houston Dash have signed veteran Canadian internationals Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman to contract extensions.

The NWSL club said Schmidt has signed a two-year contract to remain with the team through the 2024 season. Chapman has a one-year extension through the end of the 2023 campaign.

Both contracts include option years.

Schmidt joined the Dash from Germany's FFC Frankfurt in 2019. Since then, the Canadian midfielder has made 70 appearances across all competitions for Houston, with three goals in 15 games this season.

"Keeping Sophie with us in Houston was a top priority as she has consistently been one of the most impactful players on our roster," Dash GM Alex Singer said in a statement. "She is a leader on and off the field and the definition of a professional. I'm thrilled she will remain with us long term as we build our foundation around her core qualities."

WATCH | Schmidt scores in NWSL quarter-final:

Canada's Schmidt scores in Dash's elimination loss to Current

2 years ago
Duration 0:59
Sophie Schmidt of Abbotsford, B.C., ties the game for Houston but they would eventually fall to Kansas City 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the NWSL Playoffs.

Chapman joined Houston in 2015 after spending three seasons in Sweden. She has played in more than 100 NWSL matches across all competitions. The left back has started 14 games this season, helping the Dash record five shutouts.

"Allysha is a gruelling defender on the field and a dedicated teammate off the field," Singer said. "She is the definition of grit and determination and embodies everything this club stands for. We are elated she chose to stay with the club for one more season."

Both players were part of Canada's Olympic champion team in Tokyo.

Schmidt, a 34-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., has won 216 caps for Canada with 20 goals and 21 assists while Chapman, a 33-year-old from Courtice, Ont., has 93 caps with two goals and three assists.

Canadian international Nichelle Prince also plays for the Dash.

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Get up to speed on what's happening in sports. Delivered weekdays.

...

The next issue of The Buzzer will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.