CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Red Stars have announced that the team has acquired veteran Canadian international Melissa Tancredi, who was recently allocated to the Houston Dash. In exchange, the Red Stars have sent Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod to Houston.

Melissa Tancredi, a 32 year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, began her National Team career in 2004 and has since played in 88 games and represented Canada at two World Cups and two Olympics. In 2012, she won the bronze medal for her nation at the London Olympics.

“Melissa adds the strength and toughness we lacked in our frontline last year,” said Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames. “She and Christen [Press] will complement each other very well. When you add in the young pieces we already have we believe this group will be very dangerous going forward.”

Tancredi is making a return to professional soccer after sitting out the 2013 season to complete chiropractic school. Prior to that she played with Sweden’s Dalsjofors GoIF, in 2012, and with Pitea IF in 2011. Tancredi has also played professionally for Saint Louis Athletica, and for the W-League’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlanta Silverbacks.

She played collegiately at the University of Notre Dame from 2000-2004, earning First and Second Team All-American and Big East Player of the Year honors in both 2003 and 2004.

Erin McLeod, Chicago’s starting goalkeeper for much of the 2013 season, played in 16 games for the Red Stars, earning 4 shutouts.

“We wish Erin the best with her new team,” said Dames. “Erin is an excellent goalkeeper and will do well with (Dash Head Coach) Randy (Waldrum) down in Houston.”

“Erin was an enigmatic part of our team last season but we know she will find great success in her new environment in Houston and we wish her the best,” stated Red Stars General Manager Alyse LaHue. “We are looking forward to having Tancredi join the squad, and are confident she will help strengthen our frontline.”

Melissa Tancredi
Position: Forward
International: Canada
Date of birth: December 27, 1981
Birthplace: Hamilton, ON, CAN
Height: 5’9”
Previous club: Houston Dash
Twitter: @melTancredi14