Three-Way Trade Sends Huerta and Comeau to Houston and Johnson to Utah

CHICAGO – The Chicago Red Stars acquired the rights to Christen Press and a conditional first-round draft pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft from the Houston Dash in a trade for forward Sofia Huerta and defender Taylor Comeau, the club announced today. In a second transaction, Chicago has traded Press’ rights to the Utah Royals FC, along with Red Stars defender Samantha Johnson, in exchange for Brooke Elby, the number one overall NWSL College Draft pick in 2019, a first-round draft pick in 2019, along with conditional first and second-round picks in the 2020 draft and the first-round pick in 2021.

Elby, 25, comes to the Red Stars with plenty of NWSL experience in her professional career. After earning a contract with the Boston Breakers in 2015, Elby played a total of 26 games for Boston. In the Dispersal Draft, Utah selected Elby with the 23^rd overall draft pick and has appeared in 13 games this season for the Royals.

Huerta was drafted by Chicago in the 2015 NWSL College Draft with the 11th overall selection. A key factor in the Red Stars earning three consecutive playoff berths, 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 Chicago 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. A primary starter for Chicago, she helped the Red Stars break a then NWSL record of 485 consecutive shutout minutes.

Chicago will match up against Utah Royals FC at Toyota Park on Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on go90 and NWSLsoccer.com.

Name: Brooke Elby
Position: Defender
Hometown: Arcadia, California
Birthdate: May 24, 1993 (Age 25)
Height: 5’4”