Goalie Wells bolts from Houston to D.C. United

Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Zach Wells, a former Newport Harbor High standout, was traded to D.C. United along with a conditional draft pick for MLS Defender of the Year Bobby Boswell Wednesday.

“We are excited to be acquiring such a solid goalkeeper with a huge upside,” United General Manager Dave Kasper said in a press release. “Zach has been on our radar for several years, and we believe he will have a huge impact with our club for years to come.”

Wells joins D.C. United after capturing two straight MLS Cups as a member of the Dynamo. The 26-year old did not see any time between the pipes in 2006, but made four appearances (three starts) during this past season’s campaign, earning two shutouts, a goals-against average of 0.32 and compiling a 2-0-1 record. Prior to his time in Houston, he spent two seasons with the MetroStars (now known as the New York Red Bulls). While there, he saw time in 19 games (all starts), collected four shutouts and put together a record of 6-6-4. Wells has one cap for the U.S. men’s national team, making his international debut as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 win over Guatemala on Feb. 19, 2006.

— From staff reports