January 12, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Spirit has agreed to trade terms with the Chicago Red Stars ahead of Friday night’s 2024 NWSL Draft, the club announced today. The Spirit will trade defender Sam Staab to the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for Chicago’s first round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft (no. three overall).
“We can’t say enough about Sam’s reliability and defensive acumen over her five years with the team,” said President of Soccer Operations/General Manager Mark Krikorian. “She has truly been an unsung hero since joining the Spirit, and the organization wishes her nothing but the best going forward in what will be a promising career.”
Originally from San Diego, California, Staab was drafted by the Spirit with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft. In 2023, Staab was recognized as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and was named to the 2023 NWSL Best XI First Team. She was also named to consecutive NWSL Best XI of the Month teams (March/April & May) and earned five Best XI of the Month honors in four seasons. Additionally, Staab completed her third career Iron Woman season in 2023 and extended her NWSL record for consecutive regular season starts to 90 (previous record was 72). If not for a red card that would be later overturned in the 2021 season, Staab would’ve played every available regular season minute in her Spirit career.
Staab leaves the Spirit ranking fifth in regular season team history in the following categories: appearances (90), starts (90) and minutes (8,015). She also added four goals – scoring one goal in every season – and four assists.
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