Stefan Daniel Cleveland Bio
Stefan Daniel Cleveland (born May 25, 1994) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City. A Dayton, Ohio native, Cleveland has built his career through a steady climb from college soccer to multiple MLS clubs, spending time with Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders FC, and Austin FC. Known for his composure in goal and a strong shot-stopping record, he has also contributed to reserve teams during his MLS career.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, Cleveland has appeared across Major League Soccer, the United Soccer League, and the Premier Development League. After earning an engineering degree from Dartmouth College, he transitioned to professional soccer, where his reliability between the posts has earned him a reputation as a dependable backup and emergency starter.
Early Life and Background
Stefan Daniel Cleveland was born on May 25, 1994, in Dayton, Ohio, United States. Growing up in the Miami Valley region of southwestern Ohio, he attended The Miami Valley School, where he began developing the goalkeeping skills that would later carry him into college and professional soccer. His early sporting environment in Dayton, a city with a strong soccer tradition, gave him valuable experience competing at a high youth level.
Cleveland played youth soccer with Blast FC, a well-known development club in the Ohio area that has produced several collegiate and professional players. His time with Blast FC helped sharpen his technical abilities and tactical understanding of the goalkeeper position, preparing him for the demands of top-flight collegiate soccer. The combination of strong youth coaching and competitive match experience laid the foundation for his future career.
Path to Professional Soccer
Cleveland’s route to the professional ranks began at Dartmouth College, where he played four seasons of college soccer for the Dartmouth Big Green from 2012 to 2015. During his time at Dartmouth, he balanced a demanding academic workload with his athletic commitments, eventually earning an engineering degree in 2016. His performance in the Ivy League showcased his reflexes and consistency, drawing attention from Major League Soccer scouts.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Cleveland enrolled in graduate school at the University of Louisville in 2017, where he used his final season of NCAA eligibility to play for the Louisville Cardinals. That same year, on January 13, 2017, he was selected in the second round as the 26th overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire. He signed his first professional contract with the club on January 30, 2017, officially beginning his professional soccer career.
Stefan Daniel Cleveland Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Before being drafted, Cleveland gained valuable senior experience in 2015 with Premier Development League side Dayton Dutch Lions, his hometown club. The PDL stint gave him a first taste of senior-level soccer and helped him transition from the college game to the professional environment. His performances there contributed to his visibility ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
After joining Chicago Fire, Cleveland was loaned to United Soccer League affiliate Tulsa Roughnecks, where he made his professional debut on May 27, 2017, in a 3–1 win over Portland Timbers 2. He made his MLS debut on August 4, 2018, starting against Real Salt Lake and making eight saves despite a 2–1 loss. Cleveland also spent time on loan with Lansing Ignite in 2019 before being traded later that year.
Seattle Sounders Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Cleveland was acquired by Seattle Sounders FC on November 26, 2019, beginning one of the most productive chapters of his career. With the Sounders, he primarily featured for the reserve side Tacoma Defiance, though he also served as cover for veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei during congested fixture periods and injury spells. The Sounders environment, known for its competitive depth and championship expectations, allowed him to refine his training habits and tactical discipline.
His most significant stretch came during the 2021 season, when Frei suffered a knee injury early in the campaign. Cleveland stepped into the starting role and played 16 matches, demonstrating the kind of reliability that has defined his professional reputation. On January 19, 2022, he re-signed with the Sounders, continuing his role as a trusted backup and rotational option through the 2023 season.
Austin FC Era (2024–2025)
On December 24, 2023, Austin FC acquired Cleveland as a free agent and signed him to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a starting role within a young and ambitious Austin FC squad. During his time in Texas, Cleveland also featured for the reserve team, Austin FC II, while contributing to the first team’s goalkeeping unit.
His time at Austin FC was marked by steady professionalism and consistent training performances. The two-year contract reflected the club’s confidence in his abilities, even as the starting position remained competitive. Cleveland’s stint in Austin ended in December 2025, setting the stage for his next professional move.
Sporting Kansas City Era (2026–Present)
On December 10, 2025, Sporting Kansas City acquired Cleveland in exchange for $50,000 in general allocation money. The trade brought an experienced MLS goalkeeper into the Sporting Kansas City roster ahead of the 2026 campaign. Cleveland is expected to provide veteran depth and competition for the starting goalkeeper role.
Wearing jersey number 30, Cleveland joined a Sporting Kansas City side in the midst of a roster rebuild. His prior experience across multiple MLS clubs, including high-pressure environments with the Seattle Sounders, made him an attractive addition. He will look to make an impact in the upcoming season as he settles into his new surroundings.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Cleveland’s career came during the 2021 Seattle Sounders season, when he started 16 matches after Stefan Frei’s knee injury and helped keep the team competitive during a difficult stretch. His eight-save performance in his MLS debut against Real Salt Lake in 2018 also stands out as an early indicator of his shot-stopping ability. Being selected 26th overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft marked the official start of his professional journey.
Stefan Daniel Cleveland Family
Personal Life
Stefan Daniel Cleveland was raised in Dayton, Ohio, and attended The Miami Valley School during his formative years. Details about his parents, siblings, and broader family background are not publicly documented in available sources. His academic path, earning an engineering degree from Dartmouth College before pursuing professional soccer, reflects a disciplined and balanced upbringing.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Cleveland was part of the Austin FC goalkeeping group, also featuring for the reserve side Austin FC II on loan. His role within the rotation allowed him to maintain match sharpness while supporting the first team’s depth chart. The season also marked the final year of his original contract with the club, opening the door to a new opportunity.
On December 10, 2025, Cleveland was traded to Sporting Kansas City, ending his Austin FC chapter. The midseason transition positioned him for a fresh start in 2026 with a new organization. His experience across multiple MLS systems gives him a strong foundation heading into the next phase of his career.