Dash sign Natalie Jacobs, Sarah Puntigam to new deals

The Houston Dash signed defender Natalie Jacobs to a new four-year contract and midfielder Sarah Puntigam to a new two-year deal.

The contracts announced on Friday by the NWSL club will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Jacobs, 27, has appeared in 55 matches since joining Houston in April 2022. She has helped the Dash post five clean sheets this season after contributing to eight shutouts in 2023.

"Natalie's leadership and growth over the last few years have been critical to establishing a new direction for the Houston Dash," club president Jessica O'Neill said in a news release. "On the field, she is a warrior and one of the best defenders in the league."

Drafted 13th overall by the Washington Spirit in 2020, Jacobs also played with Spain's Real Betis in the 2021-22 season.

Puntigam, 31, joined Houston midway through the 2023 season following a transfer from Germany's FC Koln. The Austrian international has appeared in 25 matches with the Dash.

"We value the leadership Sarah brings to the team and we are thrilled that she is invested in our long-term vision for the organization," O'Neill said. "She is a top-tier player that has delivered memorable moments on both ends of the field since she arrived last season."

--Field Level Media