Denver Summit Strikes Deal to Land Dynamic Duo Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan From Houston Dash
Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan are confirmed to be transferring from Houston Dash to the 2026 expansion team Denver Summit in exchange for a transfer fee, according to sources who spoke with Sports Illustrated.
Both players made the move to the Dash from NJ/NY Gotham FC in December 2024, prior to the start of the 2025 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) campaign.
Sports Illustrated has learned that several other teams expressed interest and contacted the Dash regarding potential deals for both Ryan and Sheehan, however the players indicated Denver as their preferred transfer destination.
Summit Acquiring Two Players at Peak Performance
Summit Acquiring Two Players at Peak Performance
Chosen in the 2021 NWSL Draft, Ryan began her professional journey in Portland after being selected sixth overall by the Thorns. She captured the 2022 NWSL Championship there before making the move to Gotham in 2023.
During her time in New Jersey/New York, the 27-year-old striker secured the 2023 NWSL Championship and contributed to Gotham's playoff semifinal run and fourth-place standing in 2024 alongside Sheehan. Following 49 appearances, nine goals and eight assists in the NWSL with Gotham, Ryan transferred to Houston for $480,000 in 2024.
Ryan served as the Dash's primary attacking threat in 2025, topping the squad in both goals (four) and assists (three). She earned her first call-up to the U.S. women's national team in October 2024, recording two goals across 16 appearances under head coach Emma Hayes.
Sheehan was similarly selected in the 2021 draft, chosen 33rd overall by Gotham. As a crucial component of their 2023 Championship-winning squad, the 27-year-old evolved into an essential midfield presence by 2024 and started all 26 regular season games that campaign.
Prior to the 2025 NWSL season, Sheehan joined the Dash as a free agent following the conclusion of her Gotham deal. She appeared in every one of Houston's 26 regular season fixtures last year as the club finished in 10th place.
Dash Presented with Chance to Profit
Dash Presented with Chance to Profit
Denver Summit will take over both players' current contracts. Ryan's deal with the Dash runs through the 2027 season, while Sheehan's agreement was scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026 with a mutual option for 2027.
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, expectations were that both players would serve as cornerstone pieces for head coach Fabrice Gautraut's Houston squad. However, this transfer window likely represented the final opportunity for the Dash to secure a substantial transfer fee, and with Denver emerging as the players' desired destination, the deal was completed recently.
Both players began Houston's season opener on the substitutes' bench last weekend during a 1–0 away victory against the San Diego Wave. Ryan came on in the 57th minute, while Sheehan remained on the bench throughout the match.
Denver Summit began their NWSL journey with a 2–1 away loss to Bay FC. Team captain Janine Sonis received a red card after providing the assist for the franchise's inaugural goal, which was netted by Melissa Kössler.