Minnesota United Signs Haitian International Steward Ceus

Photo credit: Minnesota United

Minnesota United expanded its goalkeeping ranks Wednesday with the signing of Steward Ceus, who has been training with the club throughout the Spring Season. 

“I just knew Minnesota is a great organization and a great place to be,” Ceus said. “Playing against them last year I saw their quality as a team and a professional organization and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

The Haitian goalkeeper joins United after facing the Loons last season as the starter for the Atlanta Silverbacks. He has played at the top three levels of pro soccer in the U.S. as well as Finland and has national team experience.

Standing at 6-foot-6, Ceus is a menacing presence in the net with a particular way he likes to play the game.

“I look to play beyond the line and cut things out as quickly as possible," he said. "I’m strong in the air and vocal. My goal is to be a leader on the field.”

The 29-year-old played for the University of Albany during college, showing he was a standout player beginning in his freshman season. In his first year playing for the Great Danes, Ceus racked up 66 saves placing him second in the conference standings. He was also very successful off the field, earning academic awards each season of his college career.

Ceus was then drafted as the 37th pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids then loaned him to the USL’s Charlotte Eagles for two seasons, where he got seven wins and kept six clean sheets in 16 appearances. He returned to the Rapids in 2011 and made his MLS debut in 2012, coming in as a sub for current Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens. In his four appearances with the club through 2013, Ceus made four appearances with two wins that were both clean sheets.

 He then went overseas to play for Närpes Kraft in the Finnish third division. Ceus started in 25 of the team’s 27 matches, leading the club to a third-place finish in the Läntinen (western group).

Ceus returned to the States to take over the starting role for the Atlanta Silverbacks in the 2015 season. Having played in Minnesota as a visitor, he is excited to have the fans, particularly the Dark Clouds and True North Elite, cheering him on.

“They are a passionate group of supporters that I didn’t like to play against them, but it’s going to be amazing to play with them.”

His skills have also earned him several call-ups to the Haitian national team. He first represented his country in the 2010 Caribbean Cup, starting in all three of Haiti’s matches. Ceus was the main goalkeeper for the 2014 World Cup Qualifying campaign, playing in four of six total games, and earning three wins. Haiti would miss advancing to the third round by two points. Ceus led Haiti to qualify for the Copa America Centenario with a 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in June. He was recently selected to the 40-man preliminary roster for the tournament.