MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo Sign GK Michael Nelson & FW Mac Steeves

Published on February 28, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo have signed two 2018 MLS SuperDraft selections, goalkeeper Michael Nelson and forward Mac Steeves, the club announced today.

Nelson played in three matches for the Houston Dynamo during the 2018 preseason. His first appearance in a Dynamo jersey was against University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley men's soccer club and he kept a clean sheet on his debut. The young goalkeeper played in two matches during the 2018 Mobile Mini Sun Cup, having a stellar performance against reigning league MVP Diego Valeri and the Portland Timbers in a 1-1 draw. Following that game, Nelson came in as a sub in a 5-0 win against the New York Red Bulls II.

The Houston native was drafted by the Dynamo with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. Nelson was a three-time American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year while playing for the Southern Methodist Mustangs. Nelson helped the Mustangs win the American Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Championship in 2017.

"Michael and Mac have integrated well within our team and club and have earned this opportunity with the first team," said Dynamo Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan. "Both players have demonstrated a strong mentality, willingness to improve, and are eager to continue working with our staff to grow as professionals."

Steeves played in all five of the Dynamo preseason matches scored three goals for the team in Orange. The young forward made his debut in a preseason match against UTRGV. Steeves scored his first goal for the Dynamo against the team's USL affiliate, RGV FC, scored twice against the New York Red Bulls II in a 5-0 victory.

"They are young talented players that we chose during the 2018 MLS SuperDraft because we felt they have a lot of tools. During the preseason, they were able to bring different things to the team that we don't have," said Dynamo Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera. "In the case of Michael, he pushes the goalkeepers and he is up to the level. Mac works hard, he scores goals and he has different characteristics than our other forwards. We feel that they are good enough to make the team and to bring something positive throughout the season."

The Providence College alum was drafted by the Dynamo with the 43rd overall pick 2018 MLS SuperDraft. While at Providence, Steeves was named the 2016 and 2017 Big East Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and was placed on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2016. The Needham, Massachusetts native scored 35 goals during his college career and positioned himself as the second all-time scorer for the Friars.

With the addition of Nelson and Steeves, the Dynamo now have 26 players under contract for the 2018 season.

HOUSTON DYNAMO PLAYERS CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT

GOALKEEPERS (3)

No. Player Pos. MLS Exp. Age Ht. Wt. FIFA Eligibility

18 Chris Seitz GK 11 30 6-3 236 USA

23 Joe Willis GK 7 29 6-5 200 USA

26 Michael Nelson GK 0 23 6-4 180 USA

DEFENDERS (9)

No. Player Pos. MLS Exp. Age Ht. Wt. FIFA Eligibility

2 Alejandro Fuenmayor DF 0 21 6-0 184 Venezuela

3 Adolfo Machado DF 1 31 6-0 160 Panama

4 Philippe Senderos DF 1 32 6-2 181 Switzerland

7 DaMarcus Beasley DF 9 35 5-8 145 USA

15 Dylan Remick DF 5 26 6-0 165 USA

16 Kevin Garcia DF 1 26 6-0 185 USA

20 A.J. DeLaGarza DF 9 30 5-9 150 Guam

21 George Malki DF 1 24 5-10 160 USA

22 Leonardo DF 8 29 6-2 185 Brazil

MIDFIELDERS (9)

No. Player Pos. MLS Exp. Age Ht. Wt. FIFA Eligibility

5 Juan David Cabezas MF 1 25 6-0 175 Colombia

6 Eric Alexander MF 8 29 6-1 165 USA

8 Memo Rodriguez MF 1 21 5-8 145 USA

10 Tomás Martínez MF 1 22 5-9 145 Argentina

12 Arturo Alvarez MF 12 32 5-9 170 El Salvador

14 Charlie Ward MF 1 22 5-8 168 England

24 Darwin Cerén MF 4 28 5-10 165 El Salvador  

25 Eric Bird MF 0 24 5-11 170 USA  

27 Boniek García MF 6 33 5-9 150 Honduras

FORWARDS (5)

No. Player Pos. MLS Exp. Age Ht. Wt. FIFA Eligibility

9 Mauro Manotas FW 3 22 6-0 155 Colombia

11 Andrew Wenger MF 6 26 6-0 185 USA

17 Alberth Elis FW 1 22 6-0 165 Honduras

19 Mac Steeves FW 0 23 6-4 215 USA

31 Romell Quioto FW 1 25 5-11 170 Honduras

TRANSACTION: The Houston Dynamo sign GK Michael Nelson and FW Mac Steeves.

Full?Name:? Michael Nelson

Date of Birth: February 10, 1995 (23 years old)

Hometown:? Houston, Texas

Birthplace:? Houston, Texas

Height:?6-4

Weight: 180

FIFA Eligibility: USA

Full?Name:? Mac Steeves

Date of Birth: July 31, 1994 (23 years old)

Hometown:? Needham, Massachusetts

Birthplace:? Needham, Massachusetts

Height:?6-4

Weight: 215

FIFA Eligibility: USA

Check out the Houston Dynamo FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from February 28, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central