Chicago, IL – The Chicago Red Stars announced today that forward Ella Masar has been selected by the Houston Dash in the 2014 NWSL Expansion Draft.  Masar was selected as Houston’s #5 pick.

Masar, a 27-year-old from Urbana, Illinois, was drafted by the Red Stars in 2009 from the University of Illinois and was a member of the team for four seasons. During the 2013 NWSL season, she played in 20 games, netting 3 goals and 2 assists. Masar played with Paris Saint-Germain from 2011-2012. She made 17 appearances for the squad and scored six goals.

“I am extremely humbled and thankful for all the support in the last 48 hours or so,” stated Masar. “Without the Red Stars I would have never been able to start this incredible journey of being a professional athlete. It is unfortunate that we have to part ways, but from the organization to the players, I know I have made some everlasting relationships that will last a life time.”

“This was a difficult decision for us (to leave her unprotected),” said Red Stars General Manager Alyse LaHue. “But it was Ella’s wish to have new opportunities to play, and because we truly hope the best for her, we wanted to do what was in her best interest and wishes. We support her whole-heartedly and are grateful to the legacy she left with the Red Stars. She knows she always has a home in Chicago.”

The Houston Dash made other additions to their roster, with their full selection below:

#1  Brittany Bock from Sky Blue FC
#2: Tiffany McCarty from Washington Spirit
#3: Lauren Sesselmann (CAN) from FC Kansas City
#4: Mana Shim from Portland Thorns FC
#5: Ella Masar from Chicago Red Stars
#6: Meghan Klingenberg from Boston Breakers
#7: Arianna Romero (MEX) from Seattle Reign FC
#8: Becky Edwards from Portland Thorns FC
#9: Danesha Adams from Sky Blue FC
#10 Kika Toulouse from Washington Spirit

To read more about the 2014 NWSL Expansion Draft, please visit http://nwslsoccer.com.