The offseason moves continued today as the Houston Dash swapped draft picks with Sky Blue FC and acquired the rights to midfielder Ashley Nick. The Dash sent their 2nd round (10th overall) and 4th round (28th overall) picks in the upcoming college draft to Sky Blue for their 2nd round (13th overall) and 4th round (31st overall) picks as well as the rights to Nick.

Over the past two seasons, Nick made 22 appearances for Sky Blue including 17 starts. The midfielder joined Sky Blue during the middle of the 2013 season and scored one goal during her time with Sky Blue FC. Nick is currently playing with Apollon Ladies FC of the Cypriot First Division during the NWSL offseason.

Nick’s playing experience in Europe also includes stints with FC Twente in the Netherlands and Arna-Bjørnar of the Norwegian Toppserien.

The 27-year old was part of the 2007 USC Trojan team that won the national championship with a 2-0 victory over Florida State. Randy Waldrum’s Notre Dame side lost in the semi-final to Florida State, however he had the chance to see Nick play first hand.

Nick adds to the list of players that the Dash have accumulated who will be available during the 2015 World Cup period. The Dash this season have emphasized both building a team that can win a championship as well as one that can compete while star national team players are away on World Cup duty.

With the depth the Dash currently have in midfield, the move could also foreshadow trading away of midfielders currently on the roster to add depth at other spots on the pitch. Most notably, following the decision to waive Osi Ohale yesterday, the Dash are thin at center back and will be looking to make moves to rectify that situation.

Alternatively Nick, a solid defender, could potential be dropped into the back line, thereby providing positional flexibility to the Dash next season.

We will have more information on the trade, as well as the signing yesterday of two Brazilian players, following a call with Dash coach Randy Waldrum later today.