Andrew Tarbell Bio
Andrew Gifford Tarbell (born October 7, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper. Born in Mandeville, Louisiana, he started his youth career with the Mandeville Soccer Club Lakers before moving on to play for the Clemson Tigers during his college years. He was drafted 8th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes and has since played for several teams, including Columbus Crew and Austin FC. As of 2023, he plays for Houston Dynamo, where he has been notable for leading the team to success in the U.S. Open Cup.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Tarbell was born in Mandeville, Louisiana, where he grew up playing soccer from a young age. He attended Fontainebleau High School, where he not only played soccer but also participated in baseball and track and field, specifically throwing the javelin. During his junior and senior years, he played for the New Orleans Jesters, which helped him gain valuable experience and exposure in competitive soccer.
Path to Soccer
Tarbell’s soccer journey continued at Clemson University, where he played for the Clemson Tigers from 2012 to 2015. During his time with the Tigers, he started 55 games and was instrumental in leading the team to an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament title in 2014. His performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC First Team, and he was selected to the College Cup All-Tournament Team in 2015 after leading Clemson to the National Title game. Following his successful college career, he signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, allowing him to enter the MLS SuperDraft.
Andrew Tarbell Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Andrew Tarbell began his professional career with the New Orleans Jesters in 2010, where he played until 2011. His time with the Jesters laid the foundation for his future success in soccer. After his college career at Clemson, he was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes in 2016, marking the beginning of his journey in Major League Soccer.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Tarbell’s breakthrough came when he was drafted 8th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. He made his professional debut on August 27, 2016, against the Columbus Crew. Despite the team’s loss, he showcased his potential as a goalkeeper. In 2017, he went on loan to Reno 1868, where he gained further experience. Tarbell’s performance in the U.S. Open Cup earned him recognition, including a career-high eleven saves in a semifinal match against Sporting Kansas City. This performance helped him secure his first MLS start shortly thereafter.
Notable Works and Milestones
During his time with the San Jose Earthquakes, Tarbell won MLS Save of the Week multiple times, highlighting his skills as a goalkeeper. He was also given the captain’s armband during a match in 2018, showcasing his leadership qualities.
Columbus Crew (2020)
In February 2020, Tarbell was traded to the Columbus Crew, where he made his debut during the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. He played a crucial role in the playoffs, helping the Crew secure clean sheets in both games he played, leading to their success in the Eastern Conference finals. Although he was on the bench during the MLS Cup final, the Crew’s victory marked his first trophy in professional soccer.
Austin FC (2021–2022)
Tarbell signed with Austin FC ahead of their inaugural season in 2021. He made his debut in a match against the Colorado Rapids and later stepped in as a substitute due to an injury to the starting goalkeeper. After the 2022 season, he was released by Austin FC, prompting a new chapter in his career.
Houston Dynamo FC (2023–Present)
In November 2022, Tarbell signed a two-year deal with Houston Dynamo. He quickly established himself as the starting goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in the team’s victory in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. However, he faced challenges with injuries, including a knee injury that required surgery, impacting his playing time.
Andrew Tarbell Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Andrew Tarbell has received various nominations, particularly for his performances in key matches and tournaments. His contributions as a goalkeeper have been recognized by fans and analysts alike.
Andrew Tarbell Awards Won
Andrew Tarbell has achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning the U.S. Open Cup with Houston Dynamo in 2023. His performances have earned him accolades, including multiple MLS Save of the Week awards during his tenure with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Andrew Tarbell Family
Information regarding Andrew Tarbell’s family background is limited and not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Andrew Tarbell’s personal life, including relationships and children, are not extensively documented in public sources. He maintains a focus on his professional career and contributions to soccer.