Houston Dynamo sign goalkeeper Michael Nelson and forward Mac Steeves

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