Denver set to acquire Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan from Houston
NWSL expansion team Denver Summit FC has secured forward Yazmeen Ryan and midfielder Delanie Sheehan from the Houston Dash, as confirmed by multiple sources to ESPN.
The compensation received by the Dash has not been disclosed at this time.
Both Ryan and Sheehan joined Houston from Gotham FC prior to the 2025 NWSL season and were anticipated to be key components in the Dash’s long-term rebuilding strategy.
The primary transfer window for the NWSL closed on Monday; however, trades within the league can occur at any point until the roster freeze on October 8.
Sports Illustrated was the first to report this development.
Ryan transferred to the Dash in a deal that involved a then-league record of $400,000 in allocation money sent to Gotham, along with an international roster spot (Gotham received $80,000 in intra-league transfer funds in return).
This transfer was announced in December 2024, shortly after Sheehan joined Houston as a free agent. Both players were part of Gotham’s championship-winning squad in the 2023 NWSL season.
Last season, Ryan started 24 matches for the Dash, netting four goals and providing three assists. Her performance over the last two years has led to semi-regular selections for the United States women’s national team, where she has earned 16 caps and scored two goals.
Ryan is a versatile forward who also claimed the NWSL Championship with the Portland Thorns in 2022.
Sheehan, a box-to-box midfielder, started 25 games for the Dash last season, scoring once and contributing two assists.
Houston commenced the 2026 NWSL season on Saturday with a 1-0 win against the San Diego Wave. Sheehan did not play, while Ryan entered the match as a substitute in the second half.
When asked by ESPN about Ryan’s substitution, Dash head coach Fabrice Gautrat stated after the match: “It’s still preseason. We’re evaluating — there are always discussions about rotations.
“Additionally, as you know, managing the game is important. Last year, nine of our 27 goals came from substitutes, so there is a game-changing element to consider. But there is also competition within the squad.
“I believe this reflects positively on our roster as a whole. Overall, she came in and made an impact and performed well for us.”
Denver suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bay FC on Saturday in the Summit’s inaugural game in franchise history.
The Summit has brought in several NWSL veterans, including the anticipated arrival of USWNT captain and 2018 NWSL MVP Lindsey Heaps this summer.
