CHICAGO — The Chicago Red Stars announced a deal to acquire forward Kealia Ohai from the Houston Dash. 

In exchange, the Dash receives the 18th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft and defender Katie Naughton. 

Chicago acquired the 9th and 18th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL Draft from the North Carolina Courage in exchange for Chicago’s sixth overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. 

“Any team in the league would jump at the opportunity to add Kealia to their roster,” Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames said. “She has proven her ability to score at this level and we are excited to get her integrated into our group. We look forward to having her here in Chicago.”   

Ohai was selected second overall by Houston in the 2014 NWSL College Draft. She scored eight goals and tallied six assists throughout her first two seasons

She inserted herself amongst the league’s most lethal goalscorers in 2016, scoring 11 goals in 10 games and finishing the season tied for the league’s Golden Boot. Her performance would earn her a spot in the 2016 NWSL Best XI. 

Ohai continued her scoring ways at the beginning of the 2017 season with two goals in the first three games of the year before injury cut her season short. She would return from injury the following year, finishing the campaign with five goals. In 2019, she was awarded the NWSL’s Goal of the Week in the fourth week of the season.

“Chicago has always been one of the best teams in the league and the team that I dreaded playing every year,” Ohai said. “That’s a compliment to both Rory and Arnim and what they have built here. I am just so excited to get there and get started. I love the city of Chicago so I am so excited to be able to live there and meet all of the girls.” 

Naughton was drafted by Chicago as the 19th overall selection in the 2016 NWSL College draft. Naughton has made 88 appearances with the Red Stars, including 24 games played in 19 starts last season. She was awarded Chicago’s Defender of the Year back in 2018. 

“Katie has done everything we’ve asked of her and we can’t thank her enough for her time here,” Dames said. “She was a great teammate and the ultimate professional, we wish her the best of luck in Houston.” 

Ohai and the Red Stars return to action this spring for the 2020 NWSL Season. Season Tickets, Premium Seating, and Red Stars Fans Passes are on sale now. Visit chicagoredstars.com to purchase your tickets today. 

TRADE BREAKDOWN

Chicago Red Stars: North Carolina’s natural first and second-round selections in the 2020 NWSL College Draft (9th and 18th overall) 

North Carolina Courage: Chicago’s 6th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft 

TRADE BREAKDOWN

Chicago Red Stars: Kealia Ohai

Houston Dash: Katie Naughton, 18th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft