Here are the notables for Friday, August 30th:
- Updated 2025 Free Agency List
- Houston Dash: Former Orlando Pride general manager Erik Ustruck is overseeing player transactions
- Defender Courtney Petersen has been traded from the Houston Dash to Racing Louisville
- Orlando Pride: General manager Haley Carter extends her contract through 2026
Updated 2025 Free Agency List
(Edit: Replaced the phrase regarding mutual options with a direct quote from the list.)
On Friday, the league updated its 2025 Free Agency List. Excluding retiring players, the list features 127 players, though 15 of those players “who maintain a mutual option with their current club” for at least the next season.
I should have an unofficial spreadsheet version, with more details (age, FIFA nationality, et cetera), published in the next week or so. In the meantime, the official list can be viewed here: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/2025-nwsl-free-agents
Houston Dash: Former Orlando Pride general manager Erik Ustruck is overseeing player transactions
The Dash, who are without a general manager since the firing of Alex Singer in July and who are also without head coach Fran Alonso due to an insufficiently explained two-month leave of absence, have hired former Orlando Pride general manager Erik Ustruck (Wikipedia bio) to assist with player transactions, according to an ESPN report by Jeff Kassouf. From the article:
Ustruck began working in a remote consulting role for the Dash earlier this month during the NWSL’s secondary transfer window, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.
Defender Courtney Petersen has been traded from the Houston Dash to Racing Louisville
Racing continues to make moves as it pushes for a play-off spot. Late on Friday, both teams announced that Petersen, who turns 27 in October, has been acquired by Racing Louisville in exchange for $45,000 in allocation money.
Petersen, who is primarily a (left-sided) outside back, but also has experience as a center back, will not be available for Racing’s match on Saturday versus the Seattle Reign. (Racing press release, Dash press release)
Orlando Pride: General manager Haley Carter extends her contract through 2026
On Friday, the Pride announced that Haley Carter, who has been general manager of the club since January 2023, will stay on, at least through the 2026 season, after agreeing to a new contract. The agreement also includes an unspecified option for the 2027 season.
Carter’s title will now be “VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director”. (August 30th press release) Previously her title was “Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager”. (January 2023 press release)
As part of the announcement, the club released a 4-minute promotional video featuring Carter (YouTube). Carter was also featured in a 3-minute segment during last week’s Prime match (YouTube).
Women's Soccer Express 