The Chicago Red Stars took their first step toward filling the gap left by Sam Kerr’s departure by acquiring forward Kealia Ohai from the Houston Dash.
In exchange, the Red Stars traded defender Katie Naughton and the No. 18 pick in the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League draft. The move was announced Monday.
“Any team in the league would jump at the opportunity to add Kealia to their roster,” Red Stars coach Rory Dames said in a statement. “She has proven her ability to score at this level and we are excited to get her integrated into our group. We look forward to having her here in Chicago.”
The Red Stars acquired the Nos. 9 and 18 picks earlier in the day from the North Carolina Courage in exchange for the No. 6 pick.
Ohai scored 28 goals in 114 appearances with the Dash, finishing as the league’s co-leading scorer in 2016 with 11 goals. Ohai, who is engaged to Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft out of North Carolina. She became the Dash’s captain in 2016.
Naughton, a native of Elk Grove Village and former Notre Dame player, made 88 appearances with the Red Stars, including 19 starts last season.
“Katie has done everything we’ve asked of her and we can’t thank her enough for her time here,” Dames said in a statement. “She was a great teammate and the ultimate professional. We wish her the best of luck in Houston.”
The Red Stars now have the Nos. 4, 5, 8 and 9 picks in the first round of the NWSL draft, which will be held Jan. 15.
