Meet the new guys: Steve Clark

Previous Club: Portland Timbers

Acquired by: Signed as a free agent on December 22

Position: Goalkeeper

It was just a matter of time before another goalkeeper was added to the squad by new General Manager Pat Onstad. Michael Nelson was the only keeper left on the team roster after both Marko Maric and Kyle Morton saw their 2022 contract options declined. It is uncertain if the club is in talk with either Maric or Morton for a possible return but Onstad wasted no time in bringing in a replacement. The new GM is continuing to bring in proven and experienced MLS players as he tries to strengthen the team for whoever is chosen to take over as manager.

Clark, a Michigan native, played his college soccer for Oakland University where he started in 56 out of the 58 matches that he appeared in for the Golden Grizzlies. Even after having a great college career, Clark was not selected in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. After spending the 2009 season with Charleston Battery in USL, Steve jumped across the pond to try his luck in Europe. He trialed with teams in the UK and Norway, and eventually signed with Honefoss BK of Norway. While the Norwegian squad found themselves in and out of the first division, Clark enjoyed plenty of success during his time there. He was named to the Best XI for the 2012 season and received Honefoss BK’s Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year awards.

After his success in Norway, and Honefoss’ relegation to the second division, Clark made his return to the USA in 2014 when he was signed by Columbus Crew. During the 3 seasons Clark spent in Columbus, he played in over 100 matches and was the starter in the 2015 MLS Cup where the Crew finished runner-up. Clark returned to Europe briefly to play with Danish team AC Horsens but returned stateside with D.C. United in 2017. Clark was picked up off waivers by the Portland Timbers in the summer of 2018.

He started in 74 of the 76 games he appeared in for Portland and found himself in continuous competition with Jeff Attinella for the starting role early on. In 2021 he took over as Portland’s man between the posts after Attinella suffered a season ending injury early in the season. Clark and the Timbers had a memorable 2021 season, making it all the way to MLS Cup before falling in penalties to New York City FC.

Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images

What does he bring to the Dynamo?

Clark, who turns 36 in April, will provide leadership and experience, especially to the goalkeeping group. Steve is a player that doesn’t lack personality. He is a very confident player that helps the players around him and on his back line. This is the kind of experience and mentality that the Dynamo need to continue to bring to the club.

“We would like to welcome Steve and Carella to Houston. We are recruiting people to our club with an openness to improve and a desire to compete,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said. “Steve’s career journey is a testament to his growth mindset, and he is one of the fiercest competitors that I’ve worked with in my nearly 20-year career in MLS, consistently winning points for playoff caliber teams. We look forward to him joining the team and getting to work.”

Clark is excited to be in Houston as well, which is something you always love to see from new players that join the club. “I am so excited to join the club, after speaking with Pat and hearing the plans for the team, it was a no-brainer for me and my family,” Clark said. “I thank Pat, his staff and the club for this opportunity. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter.” He also posted a video on social media on the club’s account.

How do you feel about the signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.