Updated at 7.30am
IRELAND INTERNATIONAL STRIKER will join American club Houston Dash, pending international clearance.
The 25-year-old, from Shankill in Dublin, hit the headlines in 2013 when a video of the goal she scored for Peamount United against Wexford Youths went viral.
Roche was subsequently shortlisted for the FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year and earned second place behind Colombia and Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez last month.
Having spent this season in France with ASPTT Albi, the centre forward has now agreed to move to the US to pursue her career in the National Womens Soccer League.
Houston Dash, who are an extension of MLS club Houston Dynamo, were founded in 2013 and compete in the top tier of American women’s football.
The new season kicks off in April and head coach Randy Waldrum is delighted to have Roche on-board.
I am so excited about the signing of Stephanie, we are getting a player that has great technical ability, a superb left foot, and possibly the best goalscorer to come out of Ireland since Olivia O’Toole,” Waldrum said.
“Stephanie will bring a wealth of international experience to our team, and another great attacking option that is different from what we have already. All our Dash fans and fans of women’s soccer in general will be excited about this signing.”
Originally published at 23.20 on 18 January.
