The Houston Dash have signed Austrian Women’s National Team captain and midfielder, Sarah Puntigam, the team announced today. Puntigam is signed through the 2023 season with an option for 2024.
“Sarah is a steady force on the pitch. She is a class player and person, so we're pleased to have the opportunity to bring her in as we add more quality, experience, and leadership to our roster. We’re excited to welcome her to Houston and see what she can accomplish with our talented group,” said Houston Dash General Manager Alex Singer.
“I’m very excited to be here. I’ve always wanted to play for the NWSL and can’t wait to start and get to know the league. I hope I can help the team and have an impact. The Dash are building something big and I’m happy to be part of it,” said midfielder Sarah Puntigam.
Puntigam joins the Dash via transfer from German side FC Köln where she spent the 2022-23 season, making 21 appearances and starts along with two goals and assists for the club. Prior to joining FC Köln in 2022, Puntigam spent four seasons (2018-22) with French side Montpellier, contributing 10 goals and assists across 71 appearances for the club. Prior to joining the French side, Puntigam spent four seasons (2014-18) with Bundesliga’s SC Freiburg, making 79 appearances and scoring four goals for the club.
Puntigam made her senior career debut with Bundesliga’s Bayern Munich II during the 2009 season, making 25 appearances and scoring three goals, prior to joining the first team during the 2010 season. Puntigam remained with Bayern Munich during the 2010-13 seasons.
At the international level, Puntigam has represented the Austrian Women’s National Team with a record holding 134 caps and has scored 18 goals, fourth most-all time and third amongst active players. With Austria’s National Team, Puntigam reached the European Championship semifinals in 2017 before losing on penalties to Denmark. Puntigam made her international debut on March 4, 2009, in a 2-1 win against Wales and scored her first two goals for the Austrian National Team in a 6-0 win against the Faroe Islands on March 3, 2010. The Austrian international became the country’s all-time capped player, playing her 110th match, on September 18, 2021.
