PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 12, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage have agreed on a trade with the Houston Dash ahead of tonight’s NWSL Draft, presented by Ally. The Courage send forward Diana Ordóñez and the 30th pick in the draft to Houston in exchange for tonight’s eighth overall pick, Houston’s 2024 natural first round pick, a 2023 international spot and $100,000 in allocation money.
The Courage now hold four of the 12 first round picks in the 2023 NWSL Draft; checking in at six, eight, nine and 11. The draft pool is abundant with talent that could allow the Courage to reload their attack quickly.
Ordóñez, who’s contract expires at the end of 2023, had expressed interest in playing closer to home. Born in Riverside, California, Ordóñez moved to the Dallas, Texas area as a young child and played club soccer for FC Dallas Youth. The trade allows her to return to the Longhorn State to play professionally. She also plays for the Mexican National Team.
Ordóñez was the sixth overall selection in the 2022 NWSL Draft and set the league rookie scoring record while also tying the NWSL record for consecutive matches with a goal. The University of Virginia product was a Rookie of the Year finalist and 2022 NWSL Best XI Second Team honoree after scoring 11 goals in 19 regular season games. She also scored a goal and had one assist in six Challenge Cup contests to help the Courage win the title.
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