NWSL veteran brings over 100 appearances
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has announced the signing of former Orlando Pride midfielder Megan Dougherty Howard to its 2023 roster on a two-year contract through 2024.
The 5’5” midfielder brings over 100 NWSL career appearances across all competitions to Wave FC.
“I am so pleased to bring Meggie to the club. She was a player who caused us huge problems when she played against us last year and is a great addition. She is a player with great game understanding who can exploit space and create and score chances.”
Casey Stoney, San Diego Wave FC Head Coach
Dougherty Howard joins San Diego Wave FC after two seasons with the Orlando Pride, where she quickly earned an essential role in the midfield. Orlando acquired Dougherty Howard via trade with the Washington Spirit in Dec. 2020.
During the 2022 regular season, Dougherty Howard appeared in 15 games and started in 13, scoring three goals. Defensively, she recorded 12 interceptions, three clearances and two blocks.
In 2021, Dougherty Howard provided three assists for Orlando, two of which were during her club debut on April 10 in the side’s Challenge Cup opener against Racing Louisville.
The NWSL veteran kicked off her professional career with the Washington Spirit in 2017 who drafted her 29th overall from the University of Florida. Doughtery Howard appeared 75 times for the Spirit in four seasons and led the team in tackles with 125 and chances created with 63 while also contributing one goal and one assist.
At the University of Florida, the midfielder totalled 14 goals and 25 assists over 94 appearances. As a senior, Dougherty Howard led her team in assists with 12 and ranked second on the team for goals with eight. She was also named a 2016 All-American, the 2016 SEC Tournament MVP and a two-time All-SEC honoree.
“I’m thrilled to be joining San Diego. The Wave showed last year that they are committed to being a championship team, and I’m excited to be a part of it. The support from club leadership and the fans is huge in creating such an exciting environment and San Diego is setting a high standard for other clubs in the league. I can’t wait to join such a talented group and to get started working with the team and Casey.”
Megan Dougherty Howard, San Diego Wave FC Midfielder
Dougherty Howard joins a roster of 21 players ahead of Wave FC’s second NWSL season:
Goalkeepers: Kailen Sheridan, Carly Telford
Forwards: Amirah Ali, Makenzy Doniak, Rachel Hill, Sofia Jakobsson, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw
Midfielders: Belle Briede, Danielle Colaprico, Megan Dougherty Howard, Taylor Kornieck, Kristen McNabb, Kelsey Turnbow, Emily Van Egmond
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Mia Gyau, Naomi Girma, Madison Pogarch, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal
