Forget about being brought along slowly. Dynamo goalkeeper Michael Nelson found himself in a precarious situation almost immediately in his first game against MLS competition Wednesday afternoon.
To nobody's surprise, the unsigned draft pick delivered in a big way.
Early in the Dynamo's preseason game against the Portland Timbers in Tucson, Ariz., reigning MLS MVP Diego Valeri dribbled into the penalty area for a 1-on-1 chance against Nelson.
From about 15 yards away, Valeri shot low toward the far post. Nelson came off his line, sprawled and stuck his right boot toward the ball. He made contact and kicked it away from danger, momentarily preserving the Dynamo's 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.