The Houston Dash and Clare Polkinghorne announced today that the defender will leave the club effective immediately in order to return to her native Australia due to personal family reasons.

Polkinghorne came to Houston in June of 2018 and has been a key player for the Dash back line ever since. The defender made 18 appearances for Houston, starting in all 18 games and totaling 1,592 minutes.

A Brisbane native, Polkinghorne has been a crucial piece for the Australian Women’s National Team, tallying 118 appearances and nine goals. She first represented The Matildas in 2006 and has made four FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances. In 2017, the center back became the first player to earn 100 caps in the W-League with her hometown club, Brisbane Roar FC.

The Dash host Sky Blue FC at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 at BBVA Stadium. Tickets for the match start at $15 and are available at HoustonDashSoccer.com.