Austin FC Signs Free Agent Goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland

December 24, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Austin FC News Release

Austin, TEXAS – Austin FC announced today that the Club reached an agreement to sign free agent goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland. Cleveland joins the Verde & Black on a two-year guaranteed contract through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with an additional option for 2026.

“We’re happy to add someone of Stefan’s caliber to the talented group of goalkeepers on our roster,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell. “He’ll be a very strong addition to our Club, and our community, and we look forward to welcoming him to Austin.”

Cleveland, 29, entered MLS in 2017 when Chicago Fire FC selected the Ohio native in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft. Cleveland spent the first two (2) years of his professional career on loan at FC Tulsa (then Tulsa Roughnecks) of the USL Championship, while also making five (5) MLS starts for Chicago.

In 2019, Cleveland joined USL League One side Lansing Ignite on loan and kept seven (7) clean sheets in 22 matches to help guide the team to a second-place finish. Following the 2019 season, Seattle Sounders FC acquired Cleveland via trade.

Cleveland went on to post MLS career highs in starts (15), minutes played (1,350), shutouts (3) and saves (29) in 2021. Across four (4) total seasons in Seattle, Cleveland tallied four (4) clean sheets and 61 saves in 24 matches.

During his collegiate career, Cleveland played for three (3) years at Dartmouth College and picked up Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015. He transferred to the University of Louisville for his senior season, recording an 0.72 goals against average with the Cardinals.

Transaction: Austin FC signs free agent goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland to a two-year guaranteed contract through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with an additional option for 2026.

Player Details

Name: Stefan Cleveland

Pronunciation: stef-en cleev-land

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6’2″

Date of Birth: May 25, 1994

Age: 29

Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, USA

Nationality: United States

Roster Designation: Senior

Last club: Seattle Sounders FC

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