The Houston Dash are close to signing a Japanese international player, club president Chris Canetti said on CSN Houston show “Sports Talk Live” on Tuesday. That would mark the league’s first Japanese player in the second season of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Canetti said “we’re just about to ink that (contract),” making it clear a deal is imminent.
Four Japanese players participated in the previous pro U.S. league, Women’s Professional Soccer: Homare Sawa, Aya Miyama, Aya Sameshima and Mami Yamaguchi. Sameshima, who played for the Boston Breakers in 2011, is reportedly looking for opportunities to play outside of Japan (h/t @bertiedav for link).
Beverly Goebel led the Nadeshiko league in scoring in 2013 and will play on loan with Seattle Reign FC in 2014. Her INAC Kobe Leonessa teammate, Rebecca Moros, will play for Portland Thorns FC.
Here are Canetti’s comments:
