Canadian international midfielder Sophie Schmidt joins NWSL’s Houston Dash

HOUSTON – Canadian international Sophie Schmidt has signed with the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League.

The 30-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., who now makes her home in Vancouver, most recently spent three seasons with FFC Frankfurt in Germany, but wanted to find a club in North America after getting married in December.

“Sophie is another player with extensive international experience in Europe and with the Canadian women’s national team,” Houston coach James Clarkson said in a statement. “Her experience and ability with the ball will have a major impact on the team.”

Schmidt, who has won 180 caps for Canada, joins fellow Canadians Lindsay Agnew, Allysha Chapman and Nichelle Prince on the Houston roster.

While primarily a midfielder, Schmidt was used as a defender during the recent Algarve Cup.

Schmidt previously played for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL, the Vancouver Whitecaps (W-League), MagicJack (WPS) and Sweden’s Kristianstads DDF.

The Canadian was acquired through the NWSL discovery process, which covers domestic or international players not under contract with the league.