BRIDGEVIEW, IL—The Chicago Red Stars complete a trade with the Houston Dash and Utah Royals. The Red Stars acquired the rights of Christen Press and a draft pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft from Houston in exchange for forward Sofia Huerta and defender Taylor Comeau. From there, the Red Stars sent Press’s rights to the Utah Royals along with defender Sam Johnson in exchange for Brooke Elby, the #1 overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft, another first round pick in 2019, conditional first and second round picks in 2020, and the first-round pick in 2021.
Elby, 25, played 26 matches with the Boston Breakers in three seasons and was selected by Utah in the Dispersal Draft and appeared in 13 matches with the Royals.
Huerta was drafted by Chicago in the 2015 NWSL College Draft with the 11th overall selection. Huerta played a total of 77 games for Chicago, earning 69 starts. Huerta leaves Chicago in the record books for the club, as she is second all-time in both goals (22) and assists (11) for the Red Stars.
After earning a trialist position, Comeau earned a contract with the Red Stars in 2016. The defender saw action in 48 games, while tallying two goals and two assists. In 2018, Comeau has started in 10 matches and scored the game winner in Houston off a corner kick in extra time. Her other goal was a crucial game winner against the Orlando Pride that would solidify a playoff spot for Chicago in 2017.
Johnson was signed in 2014 after earning a spot on the roster after standing out during open tryouts. Third all-time in games played for the Red Stars, Johnson earned 80 appearances which includes 77 starts. She was a primary starter on the back line for the Red Stars.
Huerta, Comeau, and Johnson were left off the squad on Saturday night for the match against Portland pending the trade. Johnson, and for that matter, Elby will face their former teams as the Red Stars host the Royals on Saturday at 7pm CT on go90 and NWSLSoccer.com.
