Meet the New Guys - Andrew Tarbell
(image via Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)
Previous Club: Austin FC
Acquired by: Free agency, signed through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025
Position: Goalkeeper
Who is Andrew Tarbell?
Andrew was born in Mandeville, Louisiana. Tarbell played college soccer at Clemson University, appearing in over 50 matches during his time with the Tigers. Andrew was then drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft with the 8th overall pick. He made his professional debut on August 28, 2016 after the starting goalkeeper, David Bingham, suffered an injury that ruled him out the rest of the match. The game ended in a 2-0 loss against the Columbus Crew. Tarbell spent 4 seasons in San Jose where he appeared in 40 regular season games and 1 playoff match before moving to Columbus. The Crew received Andrew in exchange of $75,000 in General Allocation Money before the start of the 2020 season. Injury issues to Eloy Room towards the end of the season allowed Tarbell to get some minutes. He was an important piece in the playoffs before Room took the starting job in the MLS Cup Final, where the Crew would be crowned champions.
After just one very successful season in Columbus, Andrew would be signed by newcomer Austin FC in 2021. He found himself again being the second-string keeper behind Brad Stuver. He however did get action during his stint with Los Verdes. The most noticeable appearance was when Stuver injured himself when attempting to save Sebastian Ferreria’s goal from midfield. Andrew appeared in 4 matches in 2022 for Austin.
What Does Andrew Bring to Houston?
Competition. That is the biggest attribute that Tarbell will bring to the club. He is the goalkeeper with the most games under his belt, behind Steve Clark. Going in to the start of the season, Clark is poised to be the man between the posts. However, if Andrew’s name is called, the team will likely be in good hands. The goalkeeper group is composed of 4 players right now and surely, all of them will want playing time, whether that is in the US Open Cup, Leagues Cup, or with Dynamo 2.
