Dynamo sign defender Tate Schmitt

(image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

The Houston Dynamo have announced the signing of defender Tate Schmitt for the 2023 season with club options for 2024 and 2025. Houston traded a third-round pick in the 2024 MLS CuperDraft to Real Salt Lake to acquire Schmitt’s rights. The 25-year-old has been on trial with the Dynamo this preseason and has been impressive, by all accounts. He had an assist and helped set up another goal in the Dynamo’s 2-2 draw with Montreal this past weekend. Schmitt was previously on trial with the Seattle Sounders this preseason after leaving Real Salt Lake at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

"We’re excited to add Tate to our roster after a strong showing this preseason,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said. “He adds valuable depth to our fullback position and we look forward to see him compete for minutes this season.” 

Schmitt signed with RSL as a Homegrown Player in 2019. He made 24 appearances for Salt Lake and also spent time with Real Monarchs and Phoenix Rising on loan. His option was declined after the 2021 season but he was re-signed by RSL before the 2022 season. That season turned out to be his best as a pro, playing in 14 matches, 10 of them starts, and scoring twice.

Schmitt will bring more cover to the left back position for the Dynamo, especially early in the season. Djevencio van der Kust was just signed and Brad Smith is still rehabbing from an ACL injury he suffered last summer. van der Kust seems to be the starter, if he is up to speed in time for the first match, but Schmitt provides another good option as a player who started MLS matches just last season.