Zoe Matthews, 17, becomes youngest signing in Dash history

Field Level Media|published: 10/11/2024, 11:42am EDT

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Houston Dash signed 17-year-old midfielder Zoe Matthews on Friday, making her the youngest player in franchise history.

The 6-foot-2 Texas native is signed through the 2026 NWSL season and could make her debut on the road Sunday against the San Diego Wave.

"Today's announcement is a milestone for the organization and we are thrilled to welcome Zoe and her family to the Houston Dash and to the NWSL," team president Jessica O'Neill said. "Our ambitions are to attract elite-level players like Zoe, and we are excited that she chose to begin her professional career with the Houston Dash.

"... This is just the start of Zoe's journey, and we are excited to see her continue to grow close to home."

Internationally, Matthews joined Jamaica's senior women's national team at age 15 in 2022. She has also competed with U.S. youth national teams, helping the U-16 squad win a tournament last year in France.

"I am very excited for the opportunity to play professionally in the best women's league in the world," Matthews said. "... After speaking to Dash leadership and hearing about their plans for the future, it was clear that this was the place to start my professional journey. I want to thank the entire Houston Dash organization for embracing me into the family, and I can't wait to compete."

--Field Level Media