THE DECISION TO accept a two-year offer from Houston Dash and relocate to the States was a “no-brainer” for Stephanie Roche.
Ireland’s Puskas Award runner-up had already taken the chance to experience football beyond the Women’s National League (WNL) when French club ASPTT Albi came calling last year.
As it panned out, that move would last just six months. Roche admits struggling with the language barrier after the team-mate who had been acting as her translator departed. Finding her situation increasingly difficult off-the-field, the Dubliner vowed to give it until Christmas to settle.
Little changed and Albi signed off on her exit in January. At that time, she was still caught up with the media circus which surroundeded her nomination for Fifa’s goal of the year award so needed time weigh up her options.
The global exposure she received as a result of that goal almost certainly made choosing a new club even more difficult as there were a number of interested parties. America was always going to be first choice, however, and Roche is relishing her introduction to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
“It has been three or four weeks in the pipeline but I wanted to just make sure I got everything done right,” she told The42 yesterday. “I’m really happy with the decision as it was a no-brainer.
“I was offered to go to a few different places but America was always where I wanted to go so I was delighted when they came in with the offer.”
“I’ve been to America quite a lot on holidays and saw coaching there. The lifestyle is something that would have attracted me but first and foremost it is the football.
“The league is really professionally run and Houston are one of only two affiliated with mens MLS teams. Plus Oscar De La Hoya is one of the part-owners! So there was so much to attract me to it.”
Roche hasn’t played a competitive game since December so is lacking match fitness but travles to Croatia with the Ireland squad for the Istria Cup next week before heading to Texas ahead of the new season, which kicks off in April.
“I know it is going to be a huge challenge and I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy,” she added. “At the same time I want to get over there and try do well and play at the highest level for as long as I can.
“I’m really looking forward to getting over there and hopefully it goes well. ”
To help with the switch, boyfriend Dean Zambra will be joining her this time. The former Bray Wanderers midfielder will go on a holiday visa initially but is planning to look into the possibility of getting a club himself.
“It’s great to be able to have him come with me as it will help me settle in a lot easier. He is going to check out the lay of the land.”
