The Houston Dash signed midfielder Natalie Jacobs as a National Team Replacement Player, the team announced today.
The 24-year-old will replace midfielder Paulina Gramaglia, who was called up by the Argentina Under-20 national team for the South American U-20 Women’s Championship in April.
The Coto de Caza, Calif. native returns to the NWSL after spending time with Real Betis Feminas in Spain’s Primera Division. While with Real Betis, Jacobs appeared in 25 matches for the Spanish Club.
Jacobs was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Washington Spirit in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. The midfielder started five matches in seven appearances during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and Fall Series. During the 2021 NWSL regular season, Jacobs made four appearances and one start.
The midfielder played collegiately at the University of Southern California after transferring from Norte Dame. For the Trojans, Jacobs played in 45 matches, starting 38 and scoring nine goals. Jacobs anchored the Trojan midfield and led USC to the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2019. While with the Irish, Jacobs earned 36 career starts in 42 appearances, while scoring 17 goals and recording 12 assists. Jacobs didn’t play her sophomore season with the Irish to train with the U-20 USWNT in preparation for the 2016 U-20 FIFA World Cup.
