The Houston Dynamo picked up defensive midfielder Nathan Sturgis from Toronto FC via a trade late Wednesday evening. Sturgis comes to the Dynamo in exchange for a conditional 2014 SuperDraft pick.

While Sturgis might not be the breakthrough signing fans were looking for, and is, frankly, an average player, he is the type of athlete head coach Dominic Kinnear seems to get the most out of (think Adam Moffat). On top of that, the midfielder will add some much needed depth to the roster as the Dynamo will be involved in three competitions during 2012.

Houston is Sturgis' fifth stop since joining MLS in 2006 with the LA Galaxy. He's spent time with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders as well.

Dynamo acquire midfielder Nathan Sturgis
Houston sends conditional draft pick to Toronto FC

HOUSTON, TX (Thursday, December 29, 2011) - The Houston Dynamo have acquired midfielder Nathan Sturgis from Toronto FC in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, it was announced today.

Sturgis, 24, played 14 games for Toronto FC in 2011. The versatile midfielder is entering his seventh season in the league after being drafted by the LA Galaxy with the 12th overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.

"He is a smart, versatile player," said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. "He can play a number of positions and is very skillful on the ball. I think he will be a big help for us this year."

The Florida native started 27 games for the Galaxy before being traded to Real Salt Lake in 2007. After playing eight games for Salt Lake, the Seattle Sounders selected Sturgis with their second pick in 2008 Expansion Draft. He played in 29 games over two seasons for Seattle and tallied one goal and two assists. Sturgis also has international experience, having made 40 overall appearances for the U.S. U-20 national team including appearances at the 2005 and 2007 FIFA World Youth Championships.

The Dynamo will begin 2012 preseason on January 23. 2012 season tickets and partial ticket packages are available and can be purchased at HoustonDynamo.com or by calling (713) 276-GOAL.