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The Houston Dynamo have selected goalkeeper Michael Nelson out of Southern Methodist University with the 20th pick in the 2018 MLS Superdraft. The 6-4 goalkeeper is out of Seven Lakes High School in Katy ISD where his character on the field and off it was lauded by his coach.
Nelson did well during his years at SMU as he was able to achieve the American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2014 and 2015 and was named the 2016 American Athletic Conference Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.
Michael Nelson’s heading to Houston (and here’s what he’s bringing with him.) #SuperDraft https://t.co/LZzT61zfYl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2018
The Dynamo were likely going to pick a goalkeeper with their first pick in the draft as they currently only have one goalkeeper on their roster in Chris Seitz. The club is negotiating with Joe Willis per Houston Chronicle writer Corey Roepken, but have not reached an agreement yet.
According to Ives Galarcep, Nelson did not have the strongest of combines, but the Dynamo held a separate goalkeeper combine and were impressed with what they saw.
At #20, the Houston Dynamo select SMU goalkeeper Michael Nelson. It was known the Dynamo wanted a GK in the 1st round, and go with the local product. He didn't have the best combine, but Houston held their own GK combine and liked what they saw. #MLSSuperDraft
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 19, 2018