MLS Transfers: Houston Dynamo Make Their First Deal of the Offseason

Nathan Sturgis, a 24-year-old journeyman midfielder, joined his fifth MLS club in only seven years yesterday evening, landing with the Houston Dynamo.  This young utility player has seen brief stints of both success and lackluster play throughout his MLS career.  

Houston signed Stugris from Toronto FC for a conditional 2014 draft pick (essentially not much).  

It would appear that Toronto unloading Sturgis might mean that Aron Winter has his targets set on bringing in another piece to his side.  Losing Sturgis (who did not particularly impress in Toronto) frees up both cap room and an American international slot.  

Having just last season signed Sturgis from the Vancouver Whitecaps for a first overall (eighth) pick in the 2011 SuperDraft, Toronto sees a great deal of loss as this deal goes through.

Houston looks to Sturgis to add depth and leadership.  President of Business Operations Chris Canetti told MLSsoccer.com that:

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Dom [Kinnear] knows in his mind what he likes, and when he really likes a guy he envisions, far more than anyone else, how that guy will fit into the club and into his scheme. That was certainly the case with Adam Moffat and hopefully it will be the same situation where Dom sees Sturgis in a certain role with our club and he finds success...I think that’s a positive to get a young player with good experience that’s been around a couple of different organizations, Canetti said. He’s a professional and knows how to approach things and brings some youth to the squad.

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Sturgis has been touted early as becoming an instant role player with Houston—someone who can play multiple positions and whose experience in the league can provide leadership.  

Although certainly not a blockbuster deal in any form, this is Houston's first dip into the transfer window this offseason.  Sturgis is a player with several international caps at youth level, who is looking to find a home in the MLS and revitalize his career.

Both parties are wishing that Houston is where Sturgis finds his form once again.