Dynamo 'keeper Michael Nelson talking to media
Dynamo 'keeper Michael Nelson addresses the media after making his Dynamo debut. (Jesus Acevedo Jr./The Bayoucitian)

Michael Nelson debut a bright spot in Dynamo’s U.S. Open Cup loss

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HOUSTON – Every professional soccer player dreams of making their professional debut, and Dynamo ‘keeper Michael Nelson is no different.

But there is one added bonus that Nelson couldn’t have predicted, debuting for the team you grew up watching.

On Tuesday, Nelson’s dreams became a reality when the Katy-born ‘keeper made his debut between the sticks for the Houston Dynamo in a 3-2 loss to Minnesota United FC that eliminated the Orange from the U.S. Open Cup.

“It was a really exciting opportunity and one that I’ve been working hard to try to earn. Goalkeeper is a position that requires a lot of trust, so I’ve been working hard to build trust with my teammates and the coaches,” Nelson said after the game.

“I was able to get an opportunity to go out there today. Not the result we wanted, but I have a lot to learn. I’m kinda happy to get it rolling and get my feet on the ground, and just try to keep moving forward and improving, and see where it goes from there.”

A bright spot in defeat

And while the result was not what Nelson had dreamed of, his debut, and more so his plays on the pitch, made people take notice. Both in the stadium and those watching at home.

In the second half, and nursing a two-goal lead, Nelson and the Dynamo sustained a barrage of attack from the Loons. Mixed into that barrage of attacks are two Nelson saves that brought BBVA Stadium to its feet.

The second of which made ESPN’s Sportscenter Top 10 Play.

“I think from a shot-stopping perspective, I made a couple of decent saves. But, there’s a couple of other areas that I’ll go back, and I’ll look at the film and try to learn from like kicking, communication, crosses, positioning,” Nelson said.

“I think I made a couple of decent saves, but in the end, I conceded three goals and we didn’t get the result, so I’ll go back and look at it and just try to keep getting better.”

And while Minnesota United eventually notched their first goal in the 66th minute en route to a comeback victory, Nelson’s play on the pitch garnered him some praise from head coach Wilmer Cabrera.

“Michael Nelson this is his second season,” Cabrera said. “This is the first opportunity we have the chance to play him and he was doing good so far, he saved us by three to four times, so we have a future there.”

From fan to player

Nelson, 24, grew up in Katy, Texas on the outskirts of Houston city limits but he made the trip frequently to watch La Naranja going to back to the Robertson Stadium days.

Nelson admits he went to more games at Robertson than he’s gone to BBVA Stadium.

“I was here [BBBVA Stadium] for the opening game. And one or two others,” Nelson said. “But I went to a bunch of the Roberson Stadium games growing up and that’s kind of when I fell in love with the team and the success.”

The three goals conceded by the Dynamo defense and Nelson is a blemish on the ‘keepers debut but his play on the pitch and the experience of making his debut with his hometown club is one he’ll cherish for a long time.

“Last year when I got drafted it was kind of a whirlwind. You sort of realize that you got to quickly shake that and be like, ‘I can’t just be excited to be here, I’ve got to be here to contribute and be a professional for this team,” Nelson said.

“So that’s kind of been my mindset. Just work hard and earn opportunities. And do the best that I can when I get those opportunities.”

On his debut, Nelson left an impression on coaches and fans with the opportunity he got.