Transfer Tracker

Austin FC sign goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland

Stefan Cleveland - Seattle to Austin - transfer

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

Austin FC have signed free-agent goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland through the 2025 MLS season with an option for 2026, the club announced Sunday.

Cleveland, 29, joins Austin after serving as Stefan Freiā€™s primary backup at Seattle Sounders FC from 2020-23. Since entering MLS in 2017 as a Chicago Fire FC draft pick, heā€™s kept four shutouts in ā€‹ā€‹29 games.

ā€œWeā€™re happy to add someone of Stefanā€™s caliber to the talented group of goalkeepers on our roster,ā€ Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said in a statement.

ā€œHeā€™ll be a very strong addition to our club, and our community, and we look forward to welcoming him to Austin.ā€

Since their MLS expansion season in 2021, Brad Stuver has featured as the Verde & Blackā€™s starting goalkeeper. They also have Damian Las, the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year, in reserve.

Austinā€™s upcoming campaign begins Feb. 24 at home against Minnesota United FC (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). This past season, they finished 12th in the Western Conference standings (39 points; 10W-15L-9D).