The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the founding of its ninth club and first expansion team, the Houston Dash. The Dash is owned and operated by the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer (MLS) and will begin play with the start of the 2014 NWSL season.

“We’re excited to welcome Houston to the league, “ said Chicago Red Stars GM Alyse LaHue. “With the addition of the Dash, we continue to strengthen NWSL and most importantly, we continue to grow the women’s game in a positive direction.”

The Dash will play its home games at BBVA Compass Stadium, the downtown home of the Houston Dynamo. The club will host 12 home games as part of a 24-game schedule (three games against each opponent) in the NWSL’s second season. The four teams with the most points at the conclusion of the 2014 regular season will earn a berth in the NWSL Playoffs.

The Dash will train at Houston Sports Park (HSP), the official training home of the Houston Dynamo and the Dynamo Academy.

“We’re proud and excited to welcome the Houston Dash to the NWSL as the first expansion team in league history,” NWSL Executive Director Cheryl Bailey said. “The creation of the Dash will mean enhanced opportunities for female soccer players at the professional level as well as the chance for fans from another part of the country to watch and interact with some of the world’s most talented players. We are thrilled at being able to add an organization as strong as the Houston Dynamo as we work towards continuing to build a sustainable league.”