Austin FC engineered a Christmas Eve surprise, announcing the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland from the pool of MLS free agents on Sunday morning.
The move is puzzling given that Austin FC seemingly had its corps of three netminders set heading into the 2024 season—raising speculation that Verde might be preparing a deal to ship out 2023 MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year Damian Las.
Prior to Sunday’s move, it appeared that Las would compete against three-year Austin FC starter Brad Stuver for the 2024 starting tole. Las shined last season, helping lead VerDos to an MLS Next Pro title in the team’s debut season. Toward the end of last season, Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff said that Las had ascended to the No. 2 goalkeeping position ahead of veteran Matt Bersano, who remains with the club.
Las expressed to Austin FC, prior to the MLS Next Cup final, that his goals included being the No. 1 keeper for Austin FC in 2024.
Las appears ready for bigger challenges than MLS Next Pro given his stellar 2023 with VerDos. Even though he may not supplant the popular and effective Stuver as Austin FC’s primary goalkeeper, he appears ready to take on a No. 1 role for an MLS team that might be less satisfied with its current goalkeeping situation—if not off to Europe to develop there.
