Quick Facts
Biography
Michael Shaun Chabala (born May 24, 1984) is an American soccer player.
Career
Young age
Chabala played for a youth team known as Fresno Cyclones. In 1995 the Fresno Cyclones played an elite team by the name of Bullard United in the California State Cup Championships. Bullard United won the 1995 State Cup and handed the Cyclones and Chabala a big loss.
College and Amateur
Chabala played college soccer at the University of Washington, and also played with in the USL Premier Development League with both Yakima Reds and his hometown team, Fresno Fuego.
Professional
Chabala was drafted in the fourth round (44th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by Houston Dynamo. He was loaned to Portland Timbers of the USL First Division during his first year with the Dynamo, making nine appearances.
Having spent two years with Dynamo's reserves (where he made 24 starts and registered 12 assists, leading the MLS Reserve Division in 2007), Chabala finally made his full professional debut for Dynamo on July 10, 2007, in a US Open Cup third round game against Charleston Battery. He made his second first team appearance on July 1, 2008, again in a US Open Cup third round game against Charleston Battery. He also played on November 28, 2008 in a CONCACAF Champions League game against C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo, a game in which he played a full 90 minutes.
After four years on the Houston roster, Chabala finally made his MLS debut on April 11, 2009 as an 80th-minute substitute for Wade Barrett in a game against New York Red Bulls - and was given a red card for a 'serious foul play' 13 minutes later.
He was sent on loan to Austin Aztex on June 16, 2009. He returned in July and set career highs for games, starts, and minutes in the 2009 season.
On July 21, 2011, Chabala was traded to Portland Timbers along with Lovel Palmer and an international roster spot for Adam Moffat and allocation money. Impressive performances and his interaction with club supporters made him a fast favorite with Portland fans.
Chabala was traded to D.C. United on August 9, 2012 in exchange for a first round 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft pick. After the conclusion of the 2012 season, D.C. declined the 2013 option on Chabala's contract and he entered the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Chabala became a free agent after he went undrafted in both rounds of the draft.
After trialing with Houston Dynamo, Chabala returned to Houston on February 25, 2013.