Houston Dash 2024 position breakdown: Defenders
In 2023, the Houston Dash had one of the best defensive performances in the history of the NWSL. People will say it was hugely part of Jane Campbell's outstanding season, but it was also due to the performances of the players in front of her on defense. Will the Dash continue their defensive record? Here are the players looking to repeat last season’s historic performance.
Katie Lind
Katie Lind had a not-stellar season in 2024 compared to her other seasons with the Dash. She had a slow start to last season's campaign due to a preseason knock that delayed her integration into the team until early May. As the veteran centerback for the team she will want to bounce back and show leadership on the field as she has done in the past. With the current roster available, all fans and the team will hope to see that last year was a fluke.
Natalie Jacobs
Last year was a breakout season for Natalie Jacobs with the Dash. With Caprice Dydasco covering the right back position so well, Jacobs was on the outside looking in for a position. With centerback injuries early in the season, she found a new position and thrived in it. Jacobs looked like the most mobile centerback pn the team, able to cover space when it was needed. With a new formation being introduced by Fran Alonso, Jacobs will be a key for the defense moving forward.
Sarah Puntigam
The Austrian International came to Houston in the middle of the season during the Women's World Cup break. We saw glimpses of Puntigam’s versatility on the field, playing at centerback, left back, and even as a deep-lying defensive midfielder. With a whole preseason with the team and time to acclimate to the league, 2024 could be a big season for Punitgam as she looks to become an unstoppable force on the backline.
Courtney Petersen
Petersen is a left wing back who loves to cross balls into the box and offered a spark getting the ball into the final third. Now with the fullback position in need, could Petersen use this opportunity to be the wingback that Alonso needs? With more players in the box with a new attacking formation, Petersen could shine on this team.
Jyllissa Harris
The centerback had only had a few chances for playing time in her rookie season, but enough to see that she could grow into the team now in her second year. Harris is a centerback who isn’t afraid to put in a tough tackle and also pushes the defense higher to get the ball out of their box. We will see how this offseason and preseason has helped Harris grow and possibly get more minutes on the field.
Madelyn Desiano
The second-year defender will come into t looking for more minutes than last year. She was used in various positions in her rookie year in the league, first as a right back, on some occasions as a right midfielder, and then in the center of midfield. Desiano looks like someone to depend on for rotational minutes this season at a number of positions.
Alyssa Bourgeois
Bourgeois joined the Dash after being selected with the 47th pick of the 2024 NWSL draft. She is a wing back who played three years at Santa Clara and is known for her speed and crossing ability. Bourgeois played 43 out of 51 matches with the Broncos and had one goal with six assists. We willv have to see how she integrates into the professional league and what she can provide for the team.
Allysha Chapman
The veteran left back will start the year on maternity leave and won’t be counted toward the roster this season. The Dash will miss her aggressive cover on the left side of the field but we wish nothing but the best for her and her family.
