Dynamo sign D Ethan Bartlow to extension

Houston Dynamo FC announced a contract extension Monday with defender Ethan Bartlow.

The two sides have agreed to a deal through the 2025 MLS regular season, with a club option for 2026.

Bartlow, 23, has appeared in 32 matches (23 starts) in all competitions this season.

He helped Houston win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and secure its first MLS Cup playoff berth since 2017.

"Ethan is a promising young defender who played a significant role in the club's resurgence this season," Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said. "... We are thrilled to continue working with Ethan and look forward to his continued growth in Houston."

Bartlow earned his first career assist on Sept. 23 against Sporting Kansas City. He ranks second on the team in both clearances (102) and blocked shots (17) and has helped the Dynamo put together seven clean sheets as a starter.

"I am really excited to remain in Houston and keep building on the success we've had this season. I'm also grateful for the faith and trust from the technical staff," he said. "We're building something great, and this is the first time since I've been here that you see everything come together. I am obviously excited for the playoffs and we're going to keep improving and make a run."

Bartlow was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft out of the University of Washington. He made his MLS debut in 2022 and appeared in 15 matches (nine starts).