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Dash send D Zoe Matthews on loan to Portugal’s Benfica

By Thomson Reuters Feb 2, 2026 | 12:22 PM

The Houston Dash sent defender Zoe Matthews on loan to ‍Portugal’s SL Benfica Lisbon, which exercised the included purchase option to keep the 18-year-old until 2029.

“I’m ‌happy to continue ‌fulfilling the dream of playing in Europe, as well as playing for such a ​big club, very well-known all over ‍the world, like ​Benfica,” Matthews said. “I ​want to leave my ‍mark here.”

Matthews signed with the Dash in October 2024 as a 17-year-old, making her the ‍youngest player in franchise history.

The Texas native featured in two ‍friendlies ‍last season ​for the Dash against ​Mexico’s ⁠Rayadas de Monterrey ‌and Carolina Ascent FC before appearing on loan in eight matches (five starts) for Spain’s Dux Logrono.

–Field Level ⁠Media