Just months after signing the largest contract in National Women's Soccer League history, Maria Sanchez wants out of Houston.
The Dash winger has requested a trade from the franchise ahead of the deadline later this week, according to ESPN's Jeff Kassouf. Both the trade window and transfer window close at midnight ET on Friday.
Sanchez was a restricted free agent this offseason. She then agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $1.5 million, including bonuses and a fourth-year option. At the time, this was the largest deal in NWSL history. That contract was signed about four months ago.
Now, Sanchez apparently wants to leave, but it doesn't look like Houston is going to honor that request.
“María Sanchez is under contract, a choice she has made in free agency at the end of 2023,” the team said in a statement to ESPN on Sunday.
Sanchez's contract is tied to the league, which greatly limits the number of teams that can pick her up.
Sanchez, 28, has started three games with the Dash this season, his fourth year with the team. Sanchez is also a long-time member of the Mexican national team, having previously played for Liga MX Femenil and the Chicago Red Stars.
The Dash have only one win, two losses, and one draw through four games this season, and have conceded 10 goals, the worst in the league. The Dash hired Fran Alonso as head coach in December after former head coach Sam Leighty was fired last season. Former goalie coach Matt Lampson was also fired earlier this year for violating the league's NWSL Coaches Code of Conduct and anti-fraternity policy.
Sanchez set an NWSL record when he signed his contract, but it has been broken several times since. USWNT forward and Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith signed a contract with the team last month, making her the highest-paid player of the year. Red Stars forward Mallory Swanson, Bay FC forward Rachel Kundananji and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda also signed contracts worth up to $2.5 million this offseason, according to ESPN.
