Stephanie Roche looks to cut a Dash after US move

Ireland international and FIFA Puskas Award runner-up Stephanie Roche has said she is looking forward to the next chapter in her career after completing a move to Houston Dash in the US National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Roche confirmed that she had had several offers from clubs in England and Europe before finally deciding a move to Houston on a two-year deal.

She told RTÉ Sport that playing in the US had long been a dream of hers, and that she was looking forward to the next chapter in her career.

"I've been given a huge opportunity by Houston Dash and I'm hoping I'll be able to go over and do well, and be successful over there," Roche said.

The NWSL is a particularly strong competition, Roche rating it the best league in the world, and the Dubliner is the first Irish woman to play in it.

Roche said she was hoping to emulate the success of Ireland's men's captain, Robbie Keane, who has won three MLS Cups and was named MVP in 2014.

"Obviously Robbie Keane has done brilliantly, got MVP in the MLS, so I'll be happy if I can go and do that!"

Roche said the opportunity to play in an English-speaking country had been a big factor in choosing to sign for Houston: she previously played for French side ASPTT Albi, but struggled to deal with the language barrier.

She also pointed out that there was a further Irish connection to the move: Houston Dash is one of only two NWSL teams affiliated with their men's equivalents. Houston Dynamo, the men's side is managed by former Ireland international Owen Coyle.

Reflecting on how her life and career have changed so drastically in the last few months since her remarkable goal for Peamount United, Roche said it had been busy but enjoyable.

"It's been a bit crazy, I've been doing a lot of stuff. Obviously, it was a great achievement to get to the Puskas [award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony] and to come runner-up.

"Obviously, I was kind of disappointed at the time not to win, being a sportsperson, but it's been a great journey for me so far."

Roche, meanwhile, has been included in the Ireland squad named today by manager Sue Ronan for next month's Istria Cup in Croatia.

Ireland will play in Group A along with Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Their first game is on 4 March against Hungary.

Ireland squad: E Byrne (Arsenal), N Reid-Burke (Raheny United); M Campbell (Florida State University), M De Burca (Galway WFC), L Dwyer (Raheny United), N Fahey (Chelsea), A O'Gorman (UCD Waves), S Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), L Quinn (Eskilstuna United); E Beckett (Unattached), C Breen (Wexford Youths Women's AFC), D Caldwell (Avaldsnes), C Grant (UCD Waves), D O'Sullivan (Glasgow City), S Rowe (Raheny United), J A Russell (UCD Waves); M Connolly (College Corinthians), R Littlejohn (Celtic), K McCabe (Raheny United), F O'Sullivan (Notts County), S Roche (Houston Dash).

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