Andrew Tarbell Houston Dynamo FC Goalkeeper #13: Career Highlights and Impact
Hey, let’s talk about Andrew Tarbell, Houston Dynamo FC’s number 13 in goal. You might know him for his stats and highlight-reel saves, but there’s more to his story.
Tarbell’s become a real pillar for Houston, showing up with steady performances and earning nods around Major League Soccer. Whether he’s bailing out the backline in a tight spot or just doing the little things right, you’ve seen what a pro goalkeeper’s all about.
If you’ve kept an eye on the Dynamo lately, you’ve noticed how Tarbell’s shaped the team’s defensive approach. He’s pulled off some huge saves—tied a single-match save record, by the way—and kept Houston in the fight when things got dicey.
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In 2023, he played a massive role in Houston’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, starting every match and helping them lift the trophy. Now, at 31, Tarbell’s facing a tough road after a knee injury ended his season. Makes you wonder what’s next, right?
Take a look at his recent years:
| Season | Club | Matches Played | Clean Sheets | Major Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Houston Dynamo FC | 12 | 3 | Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Champion |
| 2024 | Houston Dynamo FC | 11 | 2 | |
| 2025 | Houston Dynamo FC | 3 | 1 | Sidelined, season-ending knee injury |
With Tarbell out for 2025, Houston’s got to figure out how to cope without their veteran in the net. His journey’s been all about grit, professionalism, and those twists you never see coming in MLS.
If you want the full scoop on his injury and how it shakes up the Dynamo season, check out the recent injury announcement.
Contents
Andrew Tarbell at Houston Dynamo FC
Tarbell’s experience has brought real depth to Houston Dynamo FC, especially after those big roster changes. He stepped in, started some key games, made memorable saves, and established himself as a steady presence in goal.
Signing and Transfer Details
Back in November 2022, Tarbell arrived in Houston. The Dynamo picked him up from Austin FC, looking for a solid backup for Steve Clark.
Houston needed someone with experience after letting a few keepers walk. Tarbell had already logged time with San Jose and Columbus, so he fit the bill.
He didn’t get the starter’s job right away, but you could see the team trusted him for rotation or if injuries hit. Tarbell added some age and calm to the keeper group, giving Houston more options when things got hectic.
Notable Performances as #13
Wearing #13, Tarbell made some big contributions in both league and cup matches. His standout moment? The 2023 Open Cup, where he started every game and helped Houston win the title. Against Colorado Rapids, he tied Pat Onstad’s record—10 saves in one match. That’s something Dynamo fans won’t forget.
Even as a backup, Tarbell put in strong shifts. In 2024, he showed off quick reactions and a cool head under fire.
Here’s a quick look at his 2024 league numbers:
| Match Appearances | Minutes Played | Clean Sheets | Saves | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 288 | 0 | 13 | 5 |
He always looked ready—kept Houston in games, even when things got tough.
Role in the Team
Tarbell started as the backup behind Steve Clark, who held down the starting spot through 2024. But after some roster shake-ups, Tarbell became the senior guy in the keeper group by 2025.
He eventually took over as starter, bringing calm and leadership to a defense that was always changing. His teammates and coaches valued his experience and how he helped the younger keepers, especially Xavier Valdez.
Then came the knee injury in 2025, right after a match with Real Salt Lake. That was a gut punch. Still, Tarbell’s Dynamo story is about a guy who put the team first, stayed reliable, and brought a pro’s touch to the position.
2025 Season Overview
Tarbell’s 2025 season with the Dynamo started strong, but everything changed with a knee injury that ended his year. He had some solid performances, and his absence forced Houston to rethink their approach in big matches.
Injury Update and Recovery
In March 2025, Tarbell went down with a serious knee injury during a home game against Real Salt Lake. It turned out to be bad enough to end his season. After the docs checked him out, they decided he needed surgery, which ruled him out for the rest of the year.
You can read more about it on the official team site. Recovery’s going to stretch into the offseason, so don’t expect him back until at least 2026.
Houston’s now leaning on their backup keepers to carry the load. Team updates have focused on Tarbell’s rehab and what his absence means for the club’s depth.
Key Matches and Moments
Before the injury, Tarbell opened 2025 as Houston’s first-choice goalkeeper. He played in some high-pressure games, including a highlight-reel leaping save against Real Salt Lake on March 15.
Want more on those moments? Check out his key saves and match details.
Even with the shortened season, his numbers showed he was holding his own:
| Match | Saves | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 19 | 5 | 1 |
When he went down, Houston felt it—especially in those tight Western Conference games where his experience could’ve made a difference.
Career Achievements and Highlights
Tarbell’s time in Houston has been marked by big moments and numbers that matter. He’s delivered when it counted, making his mark on the club.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 2023
In 2023, Tarbell started every Open Cup match for Houston. He made crucial saves and kept his cool when the pressure was on.
His consistency gave the Dynamo defense some stability. The team leaned on his experience, and it paid off—Houston took home the Open Cup trophy.
Teammates and coaches gave him plenty of credit for that run. Tarbell proved he’s one of the most reliable keepers in MLS. You can catch more about his 2023 highlights on the Leagues Cup site.
Record-Setting Performances
Remember that wild 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids? Tarbell made ten saves that night. He tied Pat Onstad’s club record, and that was huge for Houston.
Here are some quick stats:
| Season | Appearances | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 18 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 | 24 | 3 |
These numbers show his knack for making big stops. Tarbell’s presence gave Houston some real stability in goal. If you want to dig into his stats, check out his player profile.
Professional Background and Transfer History
Tarbell’s road to Houston Dynamo FC took him all over MLS. He’s played both as a starter and a backup, picking up experience with several teams.
Previous Clubs
He kicked off his pro career with San Jose Earthquakes after they drafted him in 2016. That’s where he learned the ropes and made some clutch starts.
Then he moved to Columbus Crew SC. Tarbell stepped up in cup games and filled in when the Crew needed him, especially during injuries.
Before Houston, he played for Austin FC. You might remember him as one of Austin’s first keepers during their debut season in 2021. He bounced between backup and starting roles as the club figured things out.
Here’s a quick club breakdown:
| Club | Seasons | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2016–2019 | 41 |
| Columbus Crew SC | 2020 | 7 |
| Austin FC | 2021 | 5 |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2022–present | 8* |
*Numbers reflect MLS regular season appearances as of July 2025.
MLS Career Milestones
You’ve seen Tarbell step up in big spots. In San Jose, he put together a string of impressive saves, including a penalty stop against Real Salt Lake that fans still talk about.
With Columbus Crew SC, he helped out during their 2020 MLS Cup run. When the team needed a steady hand, he was there, especially in knockout games.
At Austin FC, Tarbell was part of the club’s first MLS season. He got early starts while the club searched for answers in goal.
Now, with Houston Dynamo FC, Tarbell brings depth and experience to the keeper group. Even if he’s not always starting, the club trusts him to step in when needed.
His 2025 season ended early with that knee injury against Real Salt Lake. For more on that, see the Dynamo FC official update.
Tarbell’s journey across MLS gives you confidence he’ll deliver whenever his number’s called.
Houston Dynamo FC: Club Overview
Houston Dynamo FC really stands out in Major League Soccer, thanks to its deep Texas soccer roots and a fan base that brings the heat every match. The club keeps pouring resources into player development and fan experience, making every matchday feel special and, honestly, a little unpredictable.
Shell Energy Stadium
Shell Energy Stadium sits right at the heart of Houston soccer. You’ll spot the venue in East Downtown, tucked near major highways and public transit.
With about 21,000 seats, this stadium gives you that close-up, electric game atmosphere, and it still packs in modern amenities.
You’ll notice a safe standing supporters’ section that rocks all game, covered seating to dodge the Texas sun or sudden rain, and some pretty slick private suites if you’re after a premium vibe.
The pitch? It’s hybrid Bermuda grass, built to survive those brutal Texas summers. Sight lines are sharp throughout, so you won’t miss a beat no matter where you land.
Here’s a quick look at the stadium’s basics:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2012 |
| Capacity | 21,000 |
| Surface | Hybrid Bermuda Grass |
| Location | East Downtown Houston |
| Notable Events Hosted | MLS matches, U.S. Open Cup |
Tickets and Fan Experience
Houston Dynamo FC gives you plenty of ways to get in on the action. You can grab season tickets, mini plans, group packages, or just pick up a single game ticket if you’re feeling spontaneous.
The club runs special promotions through their official site, so it’s smart to keep an eye out for deals.
On matchday, you’ll find the stadium plaza buzzing with pre-game energy—live music, local food trucks, the whole nine yards.
Supporters’ groups crank up the noise in the safe standing section, with chants and displays that really change the mood in the stadium.
There are family-friendly zones, accessible seating, and mobile ticketing that actually works.
Policies on entry, bag size, and cashless payments are clear and straightforward, aiming to make your day smooth and safe.
Parking’s not usually a headache, either. You’ve got garages and surface lots all within a short walk.
Media and Public Engagements
Andrew Tarbell keeps showing up in the headlines, both on the pitch and off. Reporters track his game-changing moments, especially when the stakes get high.
Latest News Coverage
In March 2025, news dropped—Tarbell’s out for the season with a knee injury. Houston Dynamo’s medical staff checked him out and confirmed the bad news.
Fans felt the impact right away, losing their starting keeper for the rest of the year. The chatter around his diagnosis and recovery just kept rolling.
Earlier with the Dynamo, Tarbell made waves for his steady performances. He earned a spot on the Team of the Matchday after a commanding win over Colorado Rapids in 2024.
Media outlets also highlighted how he stepped up as the starting goalkeeper after previous Dynamo goalies moved on.
Key Stats Table:
| Year | Team | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Awards/Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Houston Dynamo FC | 23 | 7 | Team of the Matchday, U.S. Open Cup heroics |
| 2025 | Houston Dynamo FC | 3 | 1 | Season-ending injury |
Video Highlights
You can catch Tarbell’s best moments from league games on major soccer video platforms and the club’s official channels.
His leaping save against Real Salt Lake in March 2025? That’s one for the memory books.
Clips from that match really show off his athleticism and those lightning-quick reflexes.
Even though the game ended with his injury, you can’t help but admire the way he threw himself into every play.
During the 2023 U.S. Open Cup run, Tarbell put on a show with a 10-save performance that tied a club record.
Sports media took notice—and honestly, who wouldn’t?
You’ll find highlight reels featuring his best stops, some crisp distribution, and a bit of that on-field leadership Dynamo fans love.
These videos have stuck around, still popular among supporters, and they really back up just how valuable he’s been in goal.
