2023 Dynamo Position Groups: Defenders
(image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
“Defense wins championships” is the old adage in American sports. In soccer, it’s hard to lose when you don’t give up any goals. Some would say it’s impossible. The Houston Dynamo may not be ready to compete for a championship but a strong defense is going to go a long way in strengthening and improving a team that has finished at the bottom of the Western Conference in recent years. Let’s take a look at the players who will be holding it down on defense for the Dynamo in 2023.
Ethan Bartlow
Coming into his third season as a professional, the former Washington Husky center back will look to have a breakout year with the Dynamo. Tim Parker is no longer in Houston holding down the right center back position next to Teenage Hadebe, after being traded to St. Louis this offseason. Ethan has the potential to be a very good player in the league, his biggest concern is his durability. He has missed a good amount of time due to injuries early in his career. However, he is a very composed 23-year-old that has what it takes to command the back line. Bartlow will have the opportunity to take on the starting role, but veteran Daniel Steres will be at his heels awaiting his opportunity.
Teenage Hadebe
Hadebe has a ton of fun qualities to his game. The man is fearless, which as a defender, is a very scary thing to see as a fan. He is fast, strong, agile, and controls possession very well. His vision and passing range are also impressive. But his confidence can get him in trouble at times, and that is what quickly becomes terrifying. Teenage will be called upon to be the defensive rock of the team. The team will need him to stay healthy and away from suspensions as the center back position is quite thin.
Micael
The 22-year-old Brazilian center back was part of the organization last season, competing regularly with Dynamo 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. He appeared in one match for the first team against CF Montreal when he was subbed on due to an injury. His outstanding performances helped Dynamo Dos become one of the best defensive teams in the first season of the league and intrigued general manager Pat Onstad enough to trigger Micael’s purchase option. The club signed the defender through 2024 with club options for 2025 and 2026. Micael slots in behind Hadebe in the depth chart and will need to be ready to come in
Mujeeb Murana
Like Micael, Mujeeb spend the entire season playing with Dynamo Dos and was a habitual starter for Kenny Bundy’s team. At 6 foot 2 inches tall, he is built different for a right back. Murana is fast, powerful, and able to read the play. Mujeeb joined Dynamo Dos last season after spending 3 years with Saint Louis University. However, Murana is no stranger to Houston, as he spent a lot of his youth playing for the Dynamo Academy. This month he was signed by the club to a Homegrown contract through 2023, plus club options for 2024 and 2025. Murana will have to compete with newcomer Franco Escobar and Griffin Dorsey for minutes this year.
Tate Schmitt
The Arizona native spent all of his youth career playing for the Real Salt Lake Academy system. He eventually signed as a Homegrown player for Real Salt Lake, where he spent 4 seasons with the club. Following the 2022 season Tate’s contract option was declined by RSL. He spent the preseason trying out at different camps like Seattle Sounders and Houston. The forward turned left back performed well and was signed by the Dynamo after the club had to trade a 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick to Salt Lake for his rights. The left back position was always meant to be Adam Lundkvist’s position to lose, but the Swede decided to move to greener pastures. No pun intended. With Brad Smith still not ready for competition, Scmitt is likely to be the day one starter. Crazy. From the streets to the field. What a storyline.
Brad Smith
When the Australian was brought in, everyone outside the team, thought that he was coming to step up Lundkvist’s competition. It turns out that Smith would be brought in to replace Adam when he had fully recovered from his knee injury and was in playing form. Brad has some very good qualities. Speed is probably his biggest asset, as he is fast enough to track back on defense and quick enough to push the ball to the end line and cross the ball into the box in dangerous situations. Smith will not be ready to suit up for a Dynamo match until close to April or May. Schmitt will try to keep the starting job, but Brad will be chomping at the bit when fully healthy.
Daniel Steres
Steres is the only center back for the Dynamo to have over 100 games in Major League Soccer under his belt. The veteran came to the club last season after a trade with LA Galaxy. Daniel is a good, reliable center back to have on a MLS roster. Last season he won the starting role as the season began with Paulo Nagamura at the helm of the team. However, injuries hampered Daniel most of the season, which didn’t allow him to find his form nor build chemistry with Teenage Hadebe as he would have liked to. During the last preseason match against FC Dallas, due to both Franco Escobar and Griffin Dorsey dealing with knocks, Steres was pushed to the right back position, something that he had not played during his MLS career. He was able to shut down Alan Velasco’s pace and creativity during that match, showing he has the ability to play wide if needed. Steres and Bartlow will be in direct competition for the starting right center back role this season.
Djevencio van der Kust
Djevencio was signed by the club on a short loan deal from FC Utrecht this offseason. The 21-year-old left back from the Netherlands has struggled for first team minutes in the Eredivisie. Unfortunately for Djevencio, his work visa hasn’t cleared and he hasn’t been able to join the club during the preseason preparation. His loan ends in the summer and the setback may hurt his chances of attempting to settle in Houston and find minutes in MLS.
