Boston Legacy FC has made a splash in the transfer market, announcing the acquisition of attacking midfielder Barbara Olivieri from the Houston Dash in what is already being called a historic move for the young franchise. The 23-year-old, whose journey has spanned continents and leagues, is set to become the first-ever transfer in Boston Legacy’s brief history. And what a way to kick things off!
The deal, finalized on August 22, 2025, is a multi-layered agreement that will see Olivieri join the expansion side through the 2029 season. According to the club’s official announcement, the total transfer fee paid to Houston Dash amounts to $165,000, divided into four components: $50,000 in 2025 intraleague transfer funds, $50,000 in 2026 intraleague transfer funds, $35,000 in conditional intraleague transfer funds, and $30,000 in conditional expansion allocation money. It’s a significant investment for a club preparing for its debut campaign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
But Boston fans will have to wait a bit before seeing Olivieri don the Legacy kit. For the remainder of 2025, she’s headed on loan to Mexican powerhouse Club Tigres UANL in Liga MX Femenil—a return to a league where she first made her professional mark. Only in January 2026, just in time for Boston’s inaugural NWSL season, will Olivieri arrive to join her new teammates.
Olivieri’s story is one of resilience and international flair. Born in Katy, Texas, to Venezuelan parents, she proudly represents Venezuela on the international stage. Most recently, she featured for La Vinotinto at the Copa América Femenina 2025. Although Venezuela’s run ended in the first round after a win, a draw, and two losses, Olivieri’s presence was felt throughout the tournament. Her international journey began in 2021, when she made her senior debut and promptly scored a game-winner with an assist in a 2–1 victory over India—a sign of things to come.
Her club career is just as impressive. After starring at Texas A&M University—where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020 and earned All-SEC honors both seasons—Olivieri signed her first professional deal with C.F. Monterrey Femenil in 2022. There, she played a pivotal role in helping the club reach the playoff semifinals in both the Clausura and Apertura campaigns that year. Her return to Mexico with Tigres UANL this fall is a homecoming of sorts, offering her another chance to shine south of the border before she takes center stage in Boston.
Her time with the Houston Dash has been nothing short of productive. In the 2025 NWSL season, Olivieri started 10 of the 13 matches she appeared in, tallying two goals and two assists—a consistent threat in the attacking third. The previous year, she started 14 matches, notched four goals and two assists, and was recognized as the Dash’s Young Player of the Year. She even found the net in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup and finished as runner-up for Houston’s Golden Boot award. Clearly, she’s a player who rises to the occasion, no matter the competition.
Boston Legacy FC general manager Domè Guasch was effusive in his praise for the club’s new signing. “Olivieri is a creative and dynamic player who despite her young age brings us a wealth of experience both domestically and internationally. As a regular in the NWSL, she has impacted high-level games. She suits the team’s style of play and will be a strong addition to what we continue to build at Boston Legacy FC,” Guasch said in Friday’s statement. He added, “We are thrilled to welcome Barb to Boston, and our fans can look forward to the impact that she will have on and off the field.”
This move is not just about one player, though. Olivieri’s arrival brings Boston Legacy’s roster to seven signed players, a mix of domestic and international talent that’s already turning heads. She joins a midfield group featuring defensive stalwart Annie Karich, former Barcelona player Alba Caño, and ex-Glasgow City FC standout Aleigh Gambone. The club’s recruitment strategy is clear: blend youth with experience, and international pedigree with homegrown talent.
The financial details of the transfer reflect the club’s commitment to building a competitive squad from the outset. With the transfer fee spread across multiple seasons and conditional bonuses, Boston is investing in both immediate impact and long-term stability. The use of conditional expansion allocation money also demonstrates the club’s savvy in navigating the NWSL’s unique roster and financial rules—a crucial factor for any new franchise hoping to hit the ground running.
Olivieri’s versatility and creativity are expected to be key assets for Boston. Her ability to unlock defenses, coupled with her knack for scoring important goals, makes her a player to watch in the coming seasons. And with her international experience—including that memorable debut for Venezuela—she brings leadership qualities that will be invaluable in a locker room full of fresh faces.
Her loan to Tigres UANL is more than just a stopgap; it’s an opportunity to stay sharp and compete at a high level before rejoining the NWSL. Tigres, one of the most successful clubs in Liga MX Femenil, will offer Olivieri a chance to test herself against some of the best in the region. For Boston, it means their marquee signing will arrive match-fit and brimming with confidence.
For Houston Dash fans, Olivieri’s departure marks the end of a promising chapter. Her contributions on and off the field—highlighted by her Young Player of the Year award and key performances in league and cup play—will be remembered fondly. But for Boston, her arrival signals the beginning of a new era.
As the countdown to Boston Legacy FC’s first NWSL season continues, anticipation is building. With Barbara Olivieri set to join an ambitious roster, the club is sending a clear message: they intend to compete from day one. The city’s soccer faithful can hardly wait to see what this dynamic midfielder will bring to the pitch—and to the growing legacy of women’s soccer in Boston.
For now, all eyes will be on Olivieri’s loan spell with Tigres, as fans on both sides of the border watch her next moves with great interest. Come January, she’ll be ready to write the next chapter in her already remarkable career—this time, in Boston colors.
