ROCHESTER, Mich. - Former Oakland standout Steve Clark has signed with the Houston Dynamo FC of MLS as a free agent through the 2023 season with a club option for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. 

A product of the Oakland men's soccer program and Head Coach Eric Pogue, Clark holds the longest professional career out of any Oakland University athletics graduate. 

"So happy for Steve and this new opportunity with Houston! His 13-year professional soccer career has been filled with so much success, and I'm sure his Dynamo chapter will be no exception. The legacy Steve has created for himself, his family, & the Oakland Men's Soccer program has been one we are all so proud of him for," Pogue said. 

"He started as a recruit in 2003, became a player in 2004, and has ended as a lifelong friend. We are #ForeverOrange now!"

The 35-year old joins Houston after three seasons with the Portland Timbers, including leading the team to the MLS Cup Final against New York City FC a couple of weeks ago. This was Clark's fifth trip to the Audi MLS Cup playoffs and his second appearance in the MLS Cup final. Clark topped his 2016 record this season with seven shutouts in 24 appearances.

The Michigan native appeared in 68 games for the Timbers, with 18 shutouts and over 230 saves. In 2019, Clark concluded the regular season with the second-best goals-against average MLS at 1.04.

2020 proved to be another impressive year as Clark led the Timbers to the MLS is Back Tournament title with a 2-1 victory over Orlando City, SC.

"I am so excited to join the club. After speaking with Pat and hearing the plans for the team, it was a no-brainer for me and my family," Clark said. "I thank Pat, his staff, and the club for this opportunity. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter."

Clark played at Oakland from 2005-2008 and was a two-time All-Summit League player as a junior and senior. In his final season with the Golden Grizzlies, he ranked eighth in the country with a 0.54 goals-against average, and he was also named to the All-Midwest Region First Team, posting a Summit League record-tying 11 shutouts. Clark also secured the honor of Summit League Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Off the field, he was elected Oakland's Student Body President in the spring of 2008. 

Post-graduation, Clark's professional career began in Europe, where he spent three seasons with Hønefoss BK from Denmark from 2010-2013, starting 97 games on the Danish first division team. Clark then continued his career in Denmark and appeared in 17 matches for the AC Horsens. 

In 100 matches for Columbus Crew from 2014-2016, Clark earned a top-five ranking among MLS goalies in saves. Clark split the 2018 season with the Timbers and D.C. United, with two shutouts and three appearances with D.C. United. 

Clark becomes of 26 players under Dynamo contract for the 2022 season